Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2023: Lahore Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report & Weather Forecast

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With Super Four hopes hanging in the balance, Bangladesh face Afghanistan in a must-win first round Group B clash in the Asia Cup 2023 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday (September 3).

Bangladesh head into the match on the back of a 5-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in Kandy in their tournament opener, while Afghanistan, who open their campaign, come into the continental show-piece tournament fresh from 0-3 series loss to Pakistan.

Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh managed to score only 164 in their tournament opener in which Sri Lanka eased to the target with 11 overs to spare riding on a fifties from Charith Asalanka (62 not out off 92 balls) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (54 off 77 balls).

Najmul Hossain Shanto was the lone shining light for Bangladesh with an 89-run knock from 122 balls, skipper Shakib was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 29 in his quota of 10 overs. Takin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan also claimed a wicket each.

Now, the Group B action shifts from Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which will host three of the Asia Cup matches, starting with Bangladesh vs Afghanistan.

This will be Bangladesh's sixth ODI in Lahore, where they have won only one of their previous five matches, while Afghanistan will be playing for the first time at the venue, which has hosted 64 one day internationals.

With parts of the world witnessing different weather conditions and the wickets also being a key for the match, here is a look at the Lahore Gaddafi Stadium pitch report and weather forecast ahead of BAN vs SL, Asia Cup 2023:

BAN vs AFG - Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report

The wickets at the Lahore Gaddafi Stadium initially assisted the quick bowlers, but over the years favoured spinners due to the slow nature of the wicket. The venue has just witnessed over thirteen 300 plus innings with two successful chases.

Overall, the teams batting first have had an edge over the teams chasing with the record standing at 32-30. In the most recent matches, however, two of the three games have ended in favour of the team chasing.

The average score batting first at the venue in 252. So, the captain winning the toss on Sunday (September 3) may also look to follow the pattern of getting runs on the board and use their spin to dominate the second half of the match. But, how will the weather play?

Lahore Gaddafi Stadium Weather Forecast on Sunday, September 3

It is expected to be a very warm day with plenty of sunshine. The maximum temperature is expected to be 37° C at the start of the match (2:30 PM Local Time), but that will reduce to as low as 31° C before the end of play.

Rain Prediction for September 3 in Lahore: There is no chance of rain throughout the day and in the lead up to the match. So, expect a full match without any interruption due to weather. The team fielding will, however, prefer to be out bowling after sunset.

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2023 Match Details, Live Streaming & Telecast

Match Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023

Match Start Time: 3 PM IST

Telecast Channel: Star Sports 1 SD and Star Sports 1 HD

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar