The first match of the super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023 will be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 6th September 2023. The Super Fours stage will be extremely tough and thrilling as all the top sides, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be featuring in it. Following is the Pakistan vs Bangladesh Today Match Preview of Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Today Match Preview
Pakistan are coming in the super 4 stage with a big win over Nepal and with a good bowling display against India before rain interrupted. Meanwhile Bangladesh suffered a big defeat against Sri Lanka but they recovered well and defeated Afghanistan in their 2nd group match.
So far the pitch of Gaddafi Stadium has seen big scores in the two games that have been played here. Bangladesh have spent a lot of time in Lahore as their last game was also here and they won it quite comprehensively. Bangladesh’s drawback is losing Najmul Hussain Shanto who is their leading run scorer of the event. On a batting favorable pitch, Shanto will surely be missed. Meanwhile Pakistan have got their full strength lineup and they do have a very strong batting unit.
Bangladesh’s only chance is to trouble Pakistan with their spin attack. Pakistan is unlikely to put a step wrong in front of their home crowd. They have the strongest pace unit of the event and they have also batted well. Pakistan will surely begin this game as favorites.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2023 Playing XI
Pakistan expected Playing XI
Pakistan have already announced their lineup. They replaced Mohammad Nawaz with Faheem Ashraf.
Confirmed Lineup: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, M Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh expected Playing XI
Bangladesh will be making a forced change. Since there is no Najmul Hussain Shanto, they will bring in either Anamul Haque or Tanzim Hasan. Meanwhile, we can also see Mustafizur Rahman returning after Hasan Mahmud went expensive against Afghanistan.
Probable Lineup: Anamul Haque/Tanzid Hussain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib-al-Hasan, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Head to Head Record
Pakistan have dominated this rivalry. Out of the 37 ODIs played between the two sides, Pakistan have won 32 and Bangladesh have won 5. In Asia Cup ODIs, 13 ODIs have been played between the two sides out of which, 12 have gone Pakistan’s way and only one has been won by Bangladesh.
Players to watch-out for
For Pakistan, their pace attack remains their greatest strength. The Trio of Shaheen, Naseem and Haris Rauf troubled India brilliantly and will look to do the same against Bangladesh as well. Meanwhile with the bat, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed have already got centuries in the event and they both will be very dangerous.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be key. He is the centurion from the last game of Bangladesh and in the absence of Najmul Hussain Shanto, he will have more burden on his shoulders to carry the batting. With the ball, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam looked brilliant in the game against Afghanistan. Taskin in particular can trouble the batters with his pace, so all eyes will be on him.
