September 6th 2023.
The tension is palpable in the Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan and Bangladesh prepare to face off in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan, the No. 1 ODI side, stormed to the Super 4 stage, starting with a 238-run win over Nepal to open the tournament. The washout against arch-rivals India ensured their spot in the Super 4. Pakistan have announced their playing XI, making one change, dropping left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz for an extra seamer in Faheem Ashraf.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have won the toss and have elected to bat first. The major update about Bangladesh is Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the remaining matches. But Litton Das' return in his spot looms as a massive boost. Bangladesh, meanwhile, went down to Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in their opening game. However, they picked themselves up, beating Afghanistan by 89 runs and sealing their spot in Super 4.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he would have batted first too. Bangladesh playing XI: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud. Pakistan playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi have been lethal with the ball in hand so far in the tournament, claiming nine wickets each. Ready for the Gaddafi Stadium showdown! ️#PAKvBAN | #AsiaCup2023, tweeted Pakistan Cricket. Pace Battle Alert! Who do you think amongst @iShaheenAfridi & @Taskin_Official will stand tall for their side to win the first Super 4 game? Tune-in to #PAKvBAN on #AsiaCupOnStar TODAY | 2 PM | Star Sports Network #Cricket.
Beating a tough Bangladesh side would be a massive confidence-booster for Pakistan ahead of facing India again on Sunday. Pakistan holds a steep 12-1 advantage over Bangladesh in Asia Cup ODI matches. Bangladesh's only win over Pakistan came in 2018.
The fans are eagerly looking forward to the clash as they await to see which team will come out on top. Will it be the formidable Pakistan team or the spunky Bangladesh side? We'll have to wait and see!
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