Expert Analysis: BAN Vs. AFG Cricket World Cup 2023 Group Stage Preview

Match Analysis In Brief

KEY BETTING STATS

• Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by two games to one in a three-match ODI series between the two nations back in July – To Win the Match 
• Gulbadin Naib has taken seven wickets across Afghanistan’s last three official ODIs – Team – Top Bowler
• Najmul Hossain Shanto top scored for Bangladesh across the 2023 Asia Cup with 193 runs across just two innings – Team – Top Batter 

BETTING ANALYSIS

Betting Analysis For Afghanistan 

Whenever you think of Afghanistan, what usually comes to mind are their plethora of spin-bowling options. In India, they could well prove worth their weight in gold not only for Afghanistan, but also from a betting point of view. Bowling talisman Rashid Khan will be so difficult to bat against in this environment and when you also consider his own batting prowess down the order, the 25-year-old commands potential investment in multiple markets. Backing Rashid to take over 1.5 wickets against Bangladesh has to be favoured and due to his expected influence in this encounter not just as a bowler but also as a lower order hitter, a stake on Rashid to be named ‘Player of the Match’ could be a lucrative move. As a cricketing nation, Afghanistan have made their name largely through the T20 format, with many of their players most experienced in the 20-over game both with bat and ball. With that in mind, it would be no surprise to see their batters go hard from the off and with plenty of firepower down the order, they could well rack up a healthy number of boundaries. Therefore, backing Afghanistan via both the ‘Most Match Sixes’ and ‘Most Match Fours’ market is definitely worth consideration.

Betting Analysis For Bangladesh

Bangladesh were eliminated in the ‘Super Four’ stage of the 2023 Asia Cup where they were beaten by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but victory over India in their final game will have served as a reminder of their prowess heading into the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. It’s also important to note that the Tigers lost the services of Najmul Hossain Shanto to injury part-way through the Asia Cup. The top-order batter had racked up scores of 89 and 104 during the group stage and has since made his return to the team, scoring 76 vs New Zealand in Bangladesh’s last official ODI. Should Shanto be named in the team against Afghanistan, a stake on him to record 26.5 runs is certainly worthwhile and those investors searching for a higher risk bet which offers a more lucrative return should consider backing him to score 50+ runs via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market. A star for Bangladesh in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, captain Shakib Al Hasan could have a big role to play for the Tigers in 2023 with both bat and ball. The ‘Player Performance’ market immediately stands out as an attractive option when it comes to investing in an elite all-rounder like Shakib, specifically backing him to score over 58.5 Player Performance points (points are accumulated through runs scored, wickets taken and successful catches).

CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION

There is no doubt that when at their best, Bangladesh are a very strong team capable of posing a challenge to any other nation in the tournament. However, it’s hard to ignore the difficult build-up the Tigers have endured leading up to the competition. Afghanistan meanwhile, are a much better side compared to four years ago and conditions in India should suit their players well. They possess a world class stock of spin-bowlers led by Rashid Khan and a significantly improved batting unit. Afghanistan also have a recent history of beating Bangladesh, which will no doubt give the squad plenty of belief coming into this match. In what is likely to be a close contest, back Afghanistan to edge out their opponents and record a famous victory.

TIP

 AFGHANISTAN TO WIN.