Match four of the Asia Cup 2023 will feature Bangladesh and Afghanistan lock horns in Lahore. Bangladesh have already played their first game in the tournament which resulted in a loss against co-hosts Sri Lanka. At the same time, this game would be the tournament opener for Dark Horses, Afghanistan.
Here are three players to look out for in the crucial encounter:
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh’s newly appointed skipper Shakib Al Hasan remains an influential figure each time he takes the pitch. The all-rounder contributes in all departments – bowling, batting, and fielding. He was the best bowler for Bangladesh in the previous encounter with figures of 2/29 in ten overs. That is exceptional economic bowling. Shakib needs to have a good game for Bangladesh to prosper on the pitch. This is the perfect chance for Bangladesh to get off the mark in Asia Cup 2023.
2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The Afghans are an exciting breed of cricketers. Much like the association getting full-time status at the Apex Cricket Council, the players have also stepped their game up. There are cricketing celebrities among the Afghan cricketers today. One such exciting prospect is Mujeeb Ur Rahman. He has the world high on him. The pacer also contributed handily with the bat. He is definitely one that the fans should keep an eye on. He will be eager to influence the game; the Asia Cup 2023 opener for his team.
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
There is no doubt that Rahmanullah Gurbaz deserves to be atop this list. He scored a brilliant 151 vs. Pakistan in the previous ODI series. The opening batter has been extremely consistent for Afghanistan and the same would be expected out of him in the upcoming game. The team depends a lot on Gurbaz’s performance. Similar to Shakib’s role with Bangladesh, Gurbaz has enjoyed a similar influential role in the Afghan squad in recent times. He would be eager to leave his mark on Afghanistan’s tournament opener in the Asia Cup 2023.