The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 will see its third match of the tournament between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. On October 7, both teams will face each other at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. The match will start at 10:30 AM IST.
On one hand, a top all-rounder like Shakib Al Hasan will take command of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup, while on the other hand, the responsibility of the Afghanistan team will be on the shoulders of Hashmatullah Shahidi, famous for his calm and composed nature.
As of now, 15 ODI matches have been played between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, in which Bangladesh has won 9 matches while Afghanistan has won 6 matches. The Bangladesh team is currently ranked eighth, while the Afghanistan team is ranked ninth in the ICC ODI rankings.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Top 3 Players Expected to Perform in Today Match
Here are top five players to watch out during Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, 3rd Match ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
1) Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi holds the key as Afghanistan’s primary new-ball bowler. His left-arm pace brings the ball into right-handers and moves away from left-handers, making him a challenging prospect for any batsman. Farooqi relies heavily on swing, and the conditions in Dharamsala are ideal for his style of bowling, making him a potent threat.
2) Taskin Ahmed
Taskin Ahmed is currently Bangladesh’s premier pace bowler and will spearhead the attack with the new ball. The right-arm pacer has been among the top wicket-takers for his team this year. Taskin is known for his ability to generate swing and bounce in Dharamsala. With 19 wickets in 10 matches against Afghanistan, he will be eager to add to his tally in this crucial encounter.
3) Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan stands out as Afghanistan’s superstar and a game-changer in any situation. His knack for taking wickets can apply immediate pressure on the opposition. Rashid has also made significant strides as a batsman, capable of unleashing powerful shots. He poses a considerable threat to Bangladesh and has the potential to be the match-winner.
4) Litton Das
Litton Das is one of Bangladesh’s most explosive players, particularly at the top of the order. His ability to score quickly puts immense pressure on the opposition. In nine matches against Afghanistan, he has amassed 378 runs at an impressive average of 47. Das’s track record against Afghanistan suggests that he could be a major headache for the Afghan team.
5) Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai is another key player to watch in this match. He plays the role of a finisher with the bat and contributes as a medium pacer in the middle overs. In five games against Bangladesh, he has notched up 67 runs and claimed two wickets. His ability to bat in various positions, and knack for breaking partnerships make him a valuable asset to the Afghan side.