Asian minnows clash at picturesque Dharamshala

Match 3: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan - Saturday, October 7, 2023 - Preview

October 6, 2023: Day fixtures are a rarity in White ball Cricket these days. At a time when the ODI format is facing serious challenges in terms of relevance and spectators coming to the stadiums, it is quite a bold move from the ICC and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to organize 3 out of 5 World Cup matches as day games.

Nestled among the Himalayan Mountains in the north of India, this beautiful venue is the answer to the table-top (Newlands, Cape town stadium in South Africa). 2 of the Asian minnows (Bangladesh & Afghanistan) kick-start their World Cup from this picturesque ground.

The Tigers, despite several off-the-field controversies, have an edge towards Afghanistan – whose brand of cricket is best suited for T20 format.

Bangladesh bolstered by the late inclusion of veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah, who lends a finishing role to the team. In the absence of seasoned campaigner Tamim Iqbal, the Tigers will depend heavily on Shakib Al Hassan and Mushfiqur Rahim as their batting mainstays. Mahedi Hassan’s latest batting form at the top should encourage the Tigers while it will expect the talented Litton Das to come good during the tournament. The bowling is largely dependent on Mustafizur, Taskin Ahmed and the spinners.

Thanks to the Global T20 leagues, Afghan players are no more surprise elements in the International circuit. Afghanistan can surprise any top teams on their given day, but for that to happen, all the three departments (Batting, Bowling and fielding) should come good. While the batting fringes a lot on Rahmanullah Gurbaz – their exciting WK/Batter at the start, their area of concern is the middle order, which has been slightly wayward off late. You always expect Rashid Khan to come good as a match-winner along with Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Head to head record: ODIs: 15 | Bangladesh: 9 | Afghanistan: 6

What to expect?

The last 3 ODI games at Dharamshala have been low-scoring. However, this is the World Cup, and the pitches are newly re-laid. As always, on grounds with overcast conditions, the batters need to tackle the first few overs before going for the kill. Spinners may not get much help in the first half. 

Pure Cricket take: Winning the toss and bowling first can be a wise decision at Dharamshala.

- Sudarshan, Team Pure Cricket

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Pics: Internet