Cricket
Pakistan vs India 1st ODI in Asia Cup 2023: Match Preview
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry demonstrates how passionate people can get over their favourite sports. It's not just about playing a game, but it also represents a long story of history and culture that brings people together and sometimes separates them. Numerous cricket fans in South Asia and around the world are waiting to watch matches between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup ODI tournament. The first India vs Pakistan ODI match in the Asia Cup 2023 will take place on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium at 3:30 pm (Bangladesh time). Let’s take a look at the match preview.
Preview of PAK vs IND 1st ODI match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Pakistan had a really great beginning in the Asia Cup 2023 tournament. They chose to go first and bat against Nepal in Multan in their first match. They scored 342 runs from 6 wickets. The team's captain, Babar Azam, scored 151 runs from 131 balls, and Iftikhar Ahmed scored an impressive 109 not out from 71 balls. After that, when Nepal was batting, Pakistan's bowlers did a fantastic job and managed to get all of Nepal's players out for just 104 runs. This led to Pakistan winning the match by a big margin of 238 runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed proved that he can be really good at batting when he comes to play later in the lineup. And then there's Mohammad Rizwan, too, who should be able to make the middle order of the lineup more steady and strong.
Right now, Pakistan has the most dangerous group of fast bowlers in the world. The three of them — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf — have been really strong on all types of cricket pitches. They're going to be a big challenge for India's batters. We think they might be able to get a few of India's top players out early in the game, even before the first powerplay is finished.
India has a lot to show as they start their journey towards the ODI World Cup 2023. The Asia Cup will help the team get used to playing well and gaining some good energy. In the past seasons, India couldn't always play with their best team because many important players were often injured or needed rest. But this time, they have a really strong lineup that covers most of the important areas. Sadly, KL Rahul is still recovering from a small injury and won't be playing in the first two matches. Ishan Kishan will probably take his place in the team.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Asia Cup So Far
India and Pakistan have played against each other 13 times in the men's ODI Asia Cup. India has a bit of an advantage because they've won seven out of those 13 matches. In the last Asia Cup ODI version, which was in 2018, the teams faced each other twice, and India won both times. The current captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, probably remembers those two matches happily because he scored fifty runs in one and a hundred in the other.
They have played against each other three times in Sri Lanka during the tournament's history. Each team won one game, and one game didn't end in a result.
Probable Playing XI for Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Probable Playing XI for India
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Pakistani Players to Watch
Babar Azam
He has been doing really well in all kinds of cricket. And he has started the Asia Cup really impressively. Just this year, Babar has played 12 ODIs and has scored a total of 689 runs. His average score is around 57, which is really good, and he has a strike rate of 87, which means he is hitting the ball well. He has even scored two centuries and six fifties.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman, who is one of the opening players in the team, is also someone who can make a big difference in the game if he starts playing well. Zaman has done really well against India in the past and has been playing really nicely recently. In his last 10 matches, he has scored a total of 523 runs. On average, he scores about 58 runs in each match, and his strike rate is around 92, which means he's playing quite fast and aggressively.
Read more: Asia Cup: Tigers depart for Pakistan
Indian Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is going to be the key player to keep an eye on once again. He has been playing really well this year and has scored a total of 427 runs in 10 ODIs. On average, he scores around 53 runs in each match, which is really good. He has even scored two centuries (100 or more runs in a single game) and one fifty. Against Pakistan, he usually scores about 49 runs on average, and it wouldn't be surprising if he delivers another amazing performance, considering his skills as a great batter.
Rohit Sharma
Another player who can really change the game is Rohit Sharma. He is the captain of the Indian team. Against Pakistan, he usually scored around 51 runs on average over 16 ODIs. He has scored two centuries and six fifties in those matches. Even though he has not been playing his best in ODIs recently, we are hoping that Rohit will play a significant and impactful innings in this important match.
Final Words
India has done well against Pakistan in recent years in the ODIs. They have won four out of the last five matches they played against Pakistan. But the current Pakistan team is much better and they won't be easy to defeat. With Babar Azam playing so well and their strong bowling attack, they will be a tough challenge for India. The Indian team looks strong on paper, but many of their players are coming back from injuries. Because of this, they might not be at their best, and they could have some trouble facing Pakistan's fast bowlers, who are really good.
On the other hand, Pakistan has been playing in Sri Lanka for the past few weeks and has built great winning momentum. Unless Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, who are important players for India, play really well, India might find it hard to beat Pakistan, who are currently the top team in ODIs.
Not to mention, the ODI match between India and Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup will be thrilling and enjoyable once again.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Tigers Set to Commence Asia Cup Campaign Against Sri Lanka on Thursday
Bangladesh is poised to commence their Asia Cup journey with a faceoff against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Thursday.
Leading up to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh was dealt a dual blow with the loss of key bowler Ebadot Hossain and top-order batter Litton Das, both ruled out due to injuries.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
Ebadot underwent surgery for a knee injury sustained during an ODI against Afghanistan earlier this year at home. Meanwhile, Litton was unable to secure a spot in the squad due to a bout of fever.
However, the newly inducted captain of Bangladesh’s ODI team remains unperturbed by the absentees. The captain expressed full confidence in securing a berth in the Super Fours with the current lineup.
Replacing Ebadot is Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an uncapped player. In an unexpected move, the Bangladeshi selectors included Anamul Haque Bijoy to fill the void left by Litton.
Read: Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
While Sakib's inclusion was rational, Anamul's selection raised eyebrows. He wasn't part of the contingent undergoing training under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) program to provide backup players when needed.
Describing Litton's absence as a significant loss, Bangladesh captain Shakib commented, "He consistently performed well for us over the past few years. However, this presents a golden opportunity for someone else, who I'm confident will seize it."
As for Anamul's inclusion, Shakib cited the logic of a right-hand-left-hand combination at the top of the order. Zakir, who was training with the backup players, appeared as the natural choice, given Litton's illness. Yet, selectors opted for Anamul, citing the need for a wicketkeeper.
“Both Anamul and Litton bat in the top-order. In case something happens to Mushfiqur Rahim during the game, like a concussion or a minor injury, forcing him out of keeping, we needed coverage,” Shakib added.
Read: Bangladesh Cricket Team Departs for Asia Cup Without Liton Das
Shakib emphasized excelling in all facets of the game rather than fixating on a single position.
Since the notable Nidahas Trophy in 2018, Bangladesh's rivalry with Sri Lanka has intensified. Shakib, however, described the atmosphere in the dressing room as more composed. "While not a rivalry, we deliver impressive cricket when these two nations compete. It's a positive display for both the crowd and broadcasters."
Bangladesh has emerged as a formidable 50-over side. Despite India and Pakistan frequently being named as top contenders for the Asia Cup, the captain remains unfazed by such considerations.
Bangladesh boasts a record of nine victories in 51 ODIs against Sri Lanka. In recent years, they've become potent challengers. Still, Shakib recognizes the difficulty of playing against Sri Lanka on their home turf.
Read: Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
The match is scheduled to commence at 3:30 pm (Dhaka time). It will be broadcast live on T-Sports, as well as on the OTT platform Toffee and the smartphone app MyGP.
Bangladesh Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy//
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
The 2023 Asia Cup is in full swing, and now it’s time for the Group B matches to begin. Two strong teams from South Asia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are getting ready to face each other. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match will take place on August 31 at 3:30 pm at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. While the Bangladesh team is aiming to win their first-ever Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan side is the second most successful team after India. However, Bangladesh have good records against Sri Lanka in recent matches. Let’s see more in this BAN vs SL 1st ODI Asia Cup 2023 match preview.
Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 ODI
Banglades selected a team of 17 players two weeks ago. Among them, five players – Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib – were part of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020. Ebadot Hossain was initially included in the squad, but he won’t be able to play due to a lingering injury. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old fast bowler had to withdraw from the tournament. On the other hand, experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah, despite taking part in the preliminary fitness camp, has once again not been included in the Bangladesh team.
Litton Das was supposed to go to Sri Lanka later as he was suffering from viral fever. But he was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 as he is not fit yet and has no chance to play in any of the matches. Hence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board needed to do a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad. Anamul Haque Bijoy has been included in the team as Litton’s replacement. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Anamul has participated in 44 ODIs, amassing a total of 1254 runs, which includes three centuries. His most recent appearance in a Bangladesh ODI was in December 2022 when he took on India on the cricket field.
The Sri Lankan team had to make changes to their original Asia Cup squad because of injuries to Dilshan Madhushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Lahiru Kumara. This is a major setback for Sri Lanka’s bowling team because these four players are really important for the head coach Chris Silverwood’s plans and strategies to win. The team is currently facing fitness issues with these players, and that’s why they haven’t yet chosen new players to replace them or officially declared the final squad.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Bangladesh’s Probable XI
Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka’s Probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Recent Performance of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
After winning 2-0 in a series against Ireland on foreign soil, the Bangladesh cricket team came back home in June 2023 to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, things didn’t go well for the Tigers in this series. They faced a painful defeat on their home ground, losing both of the first matches. Bangladesh’s previous Asia Cup journey was also disappointing. In the last tournament, they couldn’t even win a single match in the group stage, which led to their elimination.
In contrast, Sri Lanka had a really good time in the 2022 Asia Cup. They did very well and became the champions of this important tournament for the first time since 2014. The Sri Lankan team’s most recent 50-over match was in July 2023, when they went to Zimbabwe to take part in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. They won this qualification title convincingly by beating the Netherlands by 128 runs, and they were unbeatable throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Head to Head Records So Far
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seen as top teams in one-day international cricket these days. However, when they have played against each other, Sri Lanka were usually much stronger. Sri Lanka have been clearly in control against Bangladesh, winning 40 times. While Bangladesh have shown improvement in recent times, they have won only 10 out of the 51 matches they have played against Sri Lanka.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Key Players of BAN vs SL 1st ODI Match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Shakib Al Hasan
The Bangladesh team still depends a lot on this experienced all-rounder because of his remarkable skills. Despite being 36 years old, he was among the top 5 players for both runs scored and wickets taken in the series against Afghanistan. He was the only Bangladeshi bowler who managed to take at least one wicket in all three matches.
The Bangladesh team has many young players, especially in the batting lineup. So, it’s going to be crucial for the captain to bring stability to the team’s performance in the middle of the game. And Shakib is fully capable of that.
Maheesh Theekshana
With the star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga not available, the responsibility of leading Sri Lanka’s spin attack will fall on the shoulders of this 23-year-old off-break bowler.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Theekshana had a fantastic performance in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. He took 21 wickets in just 8 matches, making him the second-most successful bowler in the tournament. His average was really low at 12.19 runs per wicket. He even achieved a hat-trick of 4-wicket hauls in the final match against the Netherlands. He had previously accomplished this against Zimbabwe and West Indies as well.
Who Will Win?
Sri Lanka’s challenge in putting together their best bowling lineup could give Bangladesh’s batting team a chance to go on the offensive. But even with this, Sri Lanka is in a good position with a higher chance of winning. They have the advantage of being in good form and playing on their home ground.
Final Words
Sri Lanka are the current champion of the Asia Cup. Lately, Sri Lanka have been doing really well in ODI cricket. They performed incredibly well in the ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, where they didn’t lose any matches and ended up winning the tournament. Because of this, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match will be highly competitive, as the Bangladesh team is also in good form. Although Bangladesh came from a 2-1 loss against Afghanistan, the Tigers seem to be confident before leaving for Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Anamul included in Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad as Litton ruled out
Bangladesh's opening batsman, Litton Das, has been ruled out of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 due to an unfortunate bout of viral fever. His absence has prompted a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad, with Anamul Haque Bijoy stepping in as his replacement.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the development on Wednesday morning (August 30, 2023).
The opener's inability to travel to Sri Lanka with the Tigers’ Asia Cup squad and his ongoing struggle to overcome the lingering fever have ultimately led to his withdrawal from the much-awaited competition.
Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
The National Selection Panel of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called upon Anamul, a 30-year-old right-handed batter, to fill the void left by Litton.
An experienced campaigner, Anamul boasts an impressive track record, having featured in 44 ODIs and accumulating 1254 runs, including three centuries. His latest appearance in an ODI match for Bangladesh dates back to December last year when he faced India on the field.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of BCB’s National Selection Panel, shared insights into the thought process behind Anamul’s selection. "He (Anamul) has been in the runs in domestic cricket, and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration," Minhajul remarked.
Minhajul went on to explain, "Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket, and Anamul got the nod."
Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka on August 31 in their opening Asia Cup match in Kandy. Following that, they will travel to Pakistan to play their second Asia Cup match against Afghanistan.
ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Bangladesh squad for 2023 Asia Cup:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy
Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
The Bangladesh national cricket team has encountered a significant setback just before their opening Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, as their opener, Litton Das, has been ruled out of the first match due to fever.
Litton has been among Bangladesh's top batters for the past few years, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Tigers in their first Asia Cup match.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector of Bangladesh, told UNB that the opener won't be able to participate in the opening match in Sri Lanka.
"He is still suffering from fever," Minhajul told UNB. "We are awaiting an update from the medical department."
Read: Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
Litton was supposed to travel to Sri Lanka with the team on August 27th but could not make it due to a fever.
He was rescheduled to travel to Sri Lanka on Tuesday and join the team in Kandy; Litton's plans were disrupted due to his ongoing fever, preventing him from taking the flight.
Read: Bangladesh Cricket Team Departs for Asia Cup Without Liton Das
Bangladesh are set to commence their Asia Cup journey on August 31st in Kandy. After that, they will travel to Pakistan for their second match against Afghanistan.
Minhajul mentioned that they have not yet contemplated a replacement for Liton.
This year's Asia Cup features a total of six participating teams. Apart from Bangladesh, the other teams are Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
In the opening match of the 16th edition of the Asia Cup, Pakistan will face Nepal in Karachi on August 30. The Nepal cricket team has already reached Pakistan to participate in the tournament for the first time. The Pakistan vs Nepal ODI match will start at 3:30 pm Bangladesh time at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal ODI match
The number 1 team in the Men's ODI Team Rankings will play the Number 15 team. Pakistan will step onto the field as the favourite, and they are getting home-ground advantage, too. Furthermore, their recent triumphant 3-0 sweep in the ODI series against Afghanistan undoubtedly contributed to a significant boost in their confidence.
On the other hand, Nepal secured their spot in the Asia Cup by emerging victorious in the 2023 ACC Men's Premier Cup held in May. Their impeccable record of remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament showcases their expertise. Nevertheless, facing Pakistan presents an entirely distinct and more challenging scenario. Playing with one of the most experienced teams, Nepal might get to see a one-sided game.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
It's quite fascinating that Pakistan and Nepal have never played against each other in any official match in international cricket. However, they did have a practice match in the UAE back in 2015. During that match, Pakistan scored a solid 306 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, thanks to an impressive performance by Azhar Ali, who scored 73 runs off 73 balls. In return, Nepal had a slow start and managed to score 205 runs in their 50 overs while losing 5 wickets along the way.
Pakistan Probable XI
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Nepal Probable XI
Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Pratis GC.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Players to Watch in the PAK vs NEP 1st ODI in the 2023 Asia Cup
Imam Ul Haq
Pakistani batter Imam Ul Haq has shown remarkable consistency in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, maintaining an average of nearly 70 with the bat. Considering his impressive performance, he will surely have an impact on the first match against Nepal. Overall, he played 62 matches and scored 2884 runs in total with 9 centuries and 18 fifties.
Naseem Shah
Pakistani bowler Naseem Shah's performance in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan has been outstanding, both in terms of his exceptional bowling and his economical figures. With his strong performance, he could be a top bowler against Nepal. Debuted in 2022, Naseem played 10 ODI matches so far and took 25 wickets in total.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Sandeep Lamichhane
Lamichhan's bowling record for Nepal is outstanding. He played 49 ODIs and chased 111 wickets. He surpassed Rashid Khan to reach 100 ODI wickets in just 42 matches and set a world record. In T20, too, he has a chance to take the record by himself. He now has 85 wickets in 44 matches.
Final Words
This year's Asia Cup, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), will feature a hybrid model. This also includes matches in co-hosting country Sri Lanka. Although Pakistan is the main host, it can be said that the main tournament will be in Sri Lanka. 9 matches, including the final, are in the island nation. The remaining 4 matches of the tournament are in Pakistan. The Pakistan vs Nepal match will mark the inauguration of Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
With less than 40 days remaining until the ICC World Cup 2023, teams are currently busy in the last phase of their screening processes. As part of the final preparations, the countries participating in the World Cup will have the opportunity to play multiple matches in India, the main venue of the World Cup. It was already known that Bangladesh would play at least two matches in India before the World Cup. Now, the complete schedule of the warm-up matches for the ICC men’s cricket World Cup 2023 has been published.
Schedules and fixtures of ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up matches
Table: ICC cricket World Cup Matches 2023: Schedules and fixtures
Date
Match
Venue
Time (Bangladesh Time)
Friday, September 29
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
2:30 PM
South Africa vs Afghanistan
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
2:30 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
2:30 PM
Saturday, September 30
India vs England
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
2:30 PM
Australia vs Netherlands
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
2:30 PM
Monday, October 2
England vs Bangladesh
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
2:30 PM
New Zealand vs South Africa
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
2:30 PM
Tuesday, October 3
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
2:30 PM
India vs Netherlands
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
2:30 PM
Pakistan vs Australia
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
2:30 PM
.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
ICC will organize a total of 10 warm-up matches in 4 days before the World Cup. The matches will be held in three stadiums in India. Each team will get two matches to familiarize themselves with the conditions. According to the ICC, all the preparatory matches will be in the day and night schedule. Each match will start at 2:30 pm Bangladesh time. All 15 players are allowed to play in these warm-up matches. The World Cup Captain's Day will be held on October 4 after the October 3 matches. The captains of the participating teams will be introduced on this day. On the 5th, the main event of this World Cup will begin with the match between the two finalists of the last World Cup, England vs. New Zealand.
South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Pakistan will play World Cup preparation matches on September 29. The Proteas vs. Afghanistan match will be played at Greenfield International Stadium and the Pakistan-Kiwis match at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka on the same day at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
India-England and Australia-Netherlands will play the next day, on September 30. The first match will be played in Guwahati, and the next match will be played at Greenfield Stadium.
The Tigers' second opponent is the mighty England. The warm-up match will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on October 2. New Zealand will play against South Africa on the same day at Greenfield Stadium.
On the last day of the warm-up schedule, 3 matches will be held on October 3. Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka in the first match of the day, India vs. Netherlands in the second match, and Pakistan vs. Australia in the third match.
All the warm-up matches will be played 50 overs per side. However, these matches will not carry ODI status as the teams can send all their 15-player squad to the field.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
Venues for World Cup 2023 Warm-up Matches
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, commonly referred to as ACA Stadium or Barsapara Cricket Stadium, is located in Guwahati, Assam, India. Serving as the home field for the Assam cricket team, the stadium is under the Assam Cricket Association. Nestled amidst Assam's natural beauty, this stadium is a modern masterpiece that has hosted numerous thrilling matches. With a seating capacity of around 50,000, it offers an electric atmosphere for cricket enthusiasts.
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
The Greenfield International Stadium, also known as The Sports Hub and previously called Trivandrum International Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Kerala, India. The stadium was built on 36 acres of land. This stadium is special because it's the first one in India that followed the DBOT (design, build, operate, and transfer) model. The stadium is an important venue for the Kerala cricket team.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
With 55,000 capacity, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will host three World Cup matches. But it will only host two warm-up matches. People sometimes call it Hyderabad Cricket Stadium. The Hyderabad Cricket Association and the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the Indian Premier League use this stadium as their home ground.
Final Words
ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up matches will play an essential role in preparing teams for the grand stage of the tournament. These matches will give teams a chance to fine-tune their strategies, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and get accustomed to the conditions of the host country. They provide valuable insights into team dynamics and player form, helping captains and coaches make crucial decisions before the actual tournament begins.
Warm-up matches also generate excitement among fans, offering a glimpse of the intense competition that awaits in the World Cup. While the results of these matches may not officially count, the lessons learned and the experience gained will be invaluable as teams strive for success in the World Cup.
Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023
Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
The 2023 Asia Cup will start on August 30 and end on September 17. For the first time in history, the tournament is going to be held in a hybrid format, hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup 2023 features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and, for the first time, Nepal, who have qualified for the tournament. This year’s competition will be structured with two groups, each consisting of three teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four round. But, among these six teams, who have the most potential to win the trophy? Read on to see our prediction.
Prediction for Super Four Round
Group A consists of Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Predicting the top two from Group A is easy. Nepal will not have any chance against giant teams like India and Pakistan. So, India and Pakistan will surely proceed to the Super Four. However, predicting the top two from Group B will be difficult as all three teams are almost equal in terms of performance and players. But according to recent performances, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have a greater chance to proceed to the Super Four.
In their most recent series, Sri Lanka faced Afghanistan in June 2023, and it was a 2-1 win for Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka lost the prior two series against New Zealand and India. On the other hand, Afghanistan won the most recent ODI series against Bangladesh by 2-1. Currently, Afghanistan is playing a three-match series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka. As of August 26, the Afghans lost two matches. So, this loss will surely reduce Afghans’ confidence, which they gained by winning against Bangladesh last month.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
If we look at Bangladesh’s series against India, England, and Ireland, it is clear that the Tigers have shown tremendous effort as they won against India and Ireland.
So, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh might play in the Super Four.
Probable Winner of Asia Cup 2023 ODI Tournament
The 2023 Asia Cup is anticipated to be a highly competitive tournament, with India and Pakistan emerging as the leading contenders for victory.
India
Presently, India holds the third position in the Men’s ODI Team Ranking. With stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli spearheading the batting lineup, India boasts a tough selection of batting experts. Complementing this strength is their strong bowling unit, featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
India holds the record for being the most successful team in Asia Cup history, clinching the title seven times. It was truly surprising to witness their absence from the final of the previous year’s tournament, considering the star-studded lineup they possessed. This year, the reentry of Jasprit Bumrah, coupled with the inclusion of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the middle-order, has considerably enhanced India’s team composition, lending it a much more balanced and formidable aspect.
Pakistan
Pakistan, on the other hand, holds the second position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Ranking. Pakistan, the reigning champion, possesses a well-balanced team that harmoniously combines batting and bowling strengths. At the forefront of their bowling arsenal is Shaheen Afridi, a prominent force on the field, while their exceptional batsman, Babar Azam, adds further strength to their lineup.
Up to this point, Pakistan’s ODI cricket for the year has primarily revolved around a series of eight matches against New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand’s lineup was notably weakened for the last five encounters. Although Pakistan has showcased their ability by securing victories in 19 out of the 28 matches played, their capacity to elevate their performance when facing tougher opponents remains under close scrutiny.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the defending champion, and this year, magic might not happen for the Lankans as they will have to play 50-over matches. On two separate occasions this year, spanning across two different continents, Sri Lanka’s ODI innings came to an end with a total of less than 80 runs.
Conversely, they managed to surpass the 300-run mark on four occasions. It’s worth noting, however, that one of those instances occurred after India had scored 373 for 7 on the same Guwahati pitch. So, Sri Lanka has a lower chance of reaching the final this year.
Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, there is a fifty-fifty chance. Benefiting from the inclusion of two all-rounders, namely Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s lineup presents the flexibility of incorporating an additional specialist batsman or bowler as needed.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Lately, Bangladesh has leaned towards fielding the additional batter, a strategy that has yielded remarkable outcomes. Notably, Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered match-winning performances from the number 8 position, scoring an unbeaten 38 and 100 in consecutive ODIs against India last December.
Nevertheless, this same approach led to a series of losses against England and Afghanistan, sparking doubt regarding the effectiveness of the extra batter strategy. But the good thing about Bangladesh is that Shakib Al Hasan is the new captain, who can play a big role through his captaincy.
Who can win the 2023 Asia Cup Trophy?
Considering the prevailing conditions, it’s reasonable to anticipate that India might emerge victorious in the 2023 Asia Cup, building upon their current form. Several factors contribute to this prediction. To begin with, India’s recent performance has been outstanding; they notably triumphed over Australia in a home series.
Read more: Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group A
Moreover, India boasts an impressive track record on subcontinental pitches. The team’s skilled spinners have the ability to reshape the course of the game, particularly when competing on Asian wickets.
A positive indicator is the resurgence of Indian batting star Virat Kohli, who regained his form during the previous year’s Asia Cup. Although India had been eliminated at that point, Kohli’s resurgence could potentially steer the team towards clinching the trophy this time. Given these factors, India’s prospects in the 2023 Asia Cup appear promising.
Final Words
We might be looking at an India vs Pakistan final at the Asia Cup 2023 ODI tournament. However, cricket is an unpredictable game, and anything might happen. So, this winner prediction is based on the most recent performances of participating teams.
Read more: Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group B
Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
The Bangladesh cricket team is all set to depart for Sri Lanka on August 27th to participate in this year's ACC Asia Cup, which is slated to be held in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Ahead of their departure for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh's head coach, Chandika Hathurusunghe, stated that their initial goal is to secure qualification for the second round of the event.
Read: Mahmudullah joins practice camp with backup players
In addition to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal are also participating in the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh's opening match is scheduled against Sri Lanka on August 31st. The team finds itself in group B, with Afghanistan being the third team in the group. While Bangladesh is set to face Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, they will need to travel to Pakistan for a match against Afghanistan on September 3rd.
Within the span of just three days, Bangladesh will traverse two countries to compete in two 50-over matches. Chandika, the coach, expressed some concerns about this tight schedule, saying, "It certainly is a new challenge because we normally don't travel between countries and play a tournament. But, it's the same thing for both teams. So, we are looking forward to that challenge."
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have posed challenges for Bangladesh in previous Asia Cups. This time around, they are once again set to test the Tigers in the 50-over format.
"Those two teams played really good games against each other, especially in the previous Asia Cups. So, I think both teams give us a good challenge. But at the same time, I think we had some success against them in the recent past," Chandika said during a pre-event press conference in Dhaka.
Before departing for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh underwent a comprehensive preparation camp that included a medical assessment and fitness testing. Chandika expressed being "very happy" with the team's preparation for the Asia Cup.
The question of who will bat at number 7 has been a topic of discussion in the cricketing community in Bangladesh. Chandika clarified that he's not designating anyone for that role; rather, the decision will depend on the situation and the opponents.
The coach also praised the batting improvements of the bowlers, who often find themselves batting in the final few overs. He noted the progress of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Mustafizur Rahman, considering it a positive development.
Read: Injury casts uncertainty on Ebadot's participation in Asia Cup
"Our main aim is to qualify for the Super Four," Chandika emphasized. "We are playing against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, a team that performs well on their home turf. And we will face Afghanistan in Pakistan, a team that recently won a series here. So, there are significant challenges, but we are prepared for them."
Bangladesh will have to overcome the absence of Ebadot Hossain, their fastest pacer. The coach acknowledged Ebadot's absence as a "significant loss" and pointed out that finding a direct replacement is a formidable task.
Ebadot sustained a leg injury during the ODI series against Afghanistan. Although initially part of the squad, the team's physiotherapist later indicated that he required more time to recover from his injury. As a result, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an uncapped pacer, was named as his replacement.
Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
The Asia Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and Bangladeshi fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of the Bangladesh ODI squad. With a talented group of players, Bangladesh has the potential to make a significant impact in the tournament. Some key players to watch out for in the Bangladesh ODI squad include Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ebadot Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed. Additionally, the young and promising pacer, Shoriful Islam, has the ability to trouble batsmen with his pace and swing. These players, along with others in the squad, will play a crucial role in Bangladesh's quest for success in the Asia Cup 2023.
Bangladesh Squad in Asia Cup 2023
Batters
Litton Das, Tanzid Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Naim Sheikh.
Bowlers
Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed.
Wicketkeeper
Mushfiqur Rahim
All-rounders
Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan.
Standby
Taijul Islam, Saif Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Three Batters to Watch in Bangladesh Squad for Asia Cup 2023
Table: Key batters to watch out for in Bangladesh Squad
Batters
Played Matches in 2023
Runs in 2023
Litton Das
12
301
Najmul Hossain Shanto
12
429
Mushfiqur Rahim
12
446
Litton Das
Litton’s 301 runs in 12 matches in 2023 made him one of the key batters for the Bangladesh team. Litton Das was engaged in various cricket leagues such as Global T20 League in Canada and Sri Lankan Premier League. Evidently, his packed schedule suggested that he is diligently preparing himself for the upcoming Asia Cup on August 30.
Making his debut appearance in the Asia Cup back in 2018, Litton marked a significant entry onto the international stage. Notably, during the final match of the 2018 Asia Cup against India, Litton showcased his skill by attaining his inaugural ODI century. With the passage of time, he has since gathered invaluable experience and maturity. Given his enhanced skills, there are high expectations that Litton Das will undoubtedly put forth his utmost effort in the upcoming tournament.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto has played 27 ODIs so far, scoring 639 runs at an average of 24.57. He has scored one century and three half-centuries, with his highest score being 117. He has a strike rate of 76.34.
Shanto's ODI career has been mixed so far. He has had some good innings, but he has also had some low scores. But, this year Shanto has been tremendous with 429 runs from 12 matches. However, Shanto is still a young player and he has the potential to be a good ODI batsman. He has good technique and he is a good stroke player. If Shanto can continue his consistency in Asia Cup 2023, he can be a valuable asset to the Bangladesh ODI team.
Mushfiqur Rahim
With 7257 runs Mushfiqur Rahim is considered one of the most successful batsmen in Bangladesh's history. Mushfiqur made his ODI debut in 2006 and has since played 251 matches, scoring 7257 runs at an average of 37.21. He has scored 9 centuries and 45 half-centuries, with his highest score being 144. He has a strike rate of 79.71.
Mushfiqur is a technically sound batsman who is good against both pace and spin. He is also an excellent wicketkeeper. He has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh in ODIs over the years. With 446 runs from 12 matches in 2023, Mushfiq will be a key player for Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Mahmudullah Riyad's International Cricket Career Overview: Records and Achievements
Two Bowlers to Watch Out for in the Bangladesh ODI Squad
Table: Key bowlers to watch in Bangladesh Squad
Bowlers
Played Matches in 2023
Wickets in 2023
Taskin Ahmed
12
301
Ebadot Hossain
12
429
Taskin Ahmed
Drawing upon his extensive experience, Taskin Ahmed is capable to put significant pressure on the opposing teams through his formidable pace attack in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023. As a right-arm bowler, Taskin brings with him an impressive track record, having notched an impressive tally of 81 wickets across 59 ODIs all while maintaining an economy rate of 5.43. This remarkable combination of skill, speed, and consistency underscores his potential to be a key force in his team's bowling arsenal during the tournament. Asia Cup 2023 will be his debut in the ODI version of this tournament.
Ebadot Hossain
He made his ODI debut in 2022 and has played 12 matches so far, taking 22 wickets at an average of 22.90. Ebadot has been a relatively successful bowler in ODIs so far. He has taken wickets in almost all of his matches and he has been able to bowl consistently at a good pace. Although Ebadot played only 8 matches this year, he showed his outstanding performance in 2022 by taking 11 wickets from 4 matches. So, he has a great chance to show his skill in the Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Other Promising Players from Bangladesh ODI Squad
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan will lead the Bangladesh team in Asia Cup 2023 and his remarkable all-rounder performance will surely play a pivotal role for Bangladesh. Recently, he achieved a milestone by becoming the first player from Bangladesh to get 300 wickets in ODI.
But, the last time Shakib played in the Asia Cup in 2018, he didn't do very well. However, he was not completely fit at that time. Shakib even missed some important matches that year. In the first four matches of the tournament, he could not score much – he got 0, 17, 32, and 0. That showed that he had a tough time. But this year, he's been doing great. He has scored 376 runs and taken 11 wickets in 11 matches, which is really impressive. This resurgence confirms his readiness to make a significant impact in the Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Analysis of Group B
Final Words
These are just a few of the key players to watch in the Bangladesh ODI squad for the Asia Cup 2023. If they can all play to their potential, Bangladesh will be a tough team to beat. In addition to the players mentioned above, Bangladesh also has some other talented players in their squad, such as Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Naim, Shoriful Islam, and Nasum Ahmed. If these players can contribute consistently, Bangladesh can win the Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues