In the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, Bangladesh finds itself ranked just above the Netherlands, with Afghanistan being the only other team ranked lower. This places both Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a challenging position, as they’ll need a series of remarkable upsets to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Nonetheless, these teams are far from lacking in talent and have the capability to trouble even the most formidable cricketing nations, especially when the playing conditions align with their strengths. Some of the tournament venues are known to provide conditions that could favor Bangladesh and Afghanistan, potentially tipping the scales in their favor.
A victory in Dharamsala would significantly bolster the semi-final prospects of either side, although the conditions at this venue may not necessarily play to their strengths. Afghanistan boasts three spinners within the top ten of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, while Bangladesh features the iconic Shakib Al Hasan, who continues to rank among the best all-rounders in the world.
However, historical trends suggest that Dharamsala typically favors quick bowlers, thanks to its short boundaries and high altitude, factors that have seen fast bowlers make a more significant impact at this venue.
The Bangladesh squad for the tournament includes the formidable captain Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Afghanistan’s squad boasts the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi as captain, with a strong lineup comprising Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and Naveen ul Haq.
As the cricketing world anticipates the excitement of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh’s evergreen skipper Shakib Al Hasan continues to make history. Holding the prestigious No.1 ranking in the ODI all-rounder category, Shakib has remarkably maintained this position leading up to each of his five World Cup appearances (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and now 2023).
Adding to his accolades, Shakib stands as Bangladesh’s highest-ranked bowler at 17, while Mushfiqur Rahim claims the top batting ranking for Bangladesh, ranking at 21.
Afghanistan also showcases its strength in the ODI rankings, with former captain Mohammad Nabi positioned as the No.2-ranked all-rounder. Notably, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman secures the third spot in the ODI bowler rankings, while Rashid Khan, ranked fourth, is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s premier white-ball players, primarily due to his remarkable performances in the shorter format. Rashid’s contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal to Afghanistan’s aspirations in the tournament.
