Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 1st ODI: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Pitch Report, Team Records at Chattogram

Bangladesh are all set to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series and the opening ODI encounter between these two teams will be played on 5 July, 2023 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. Recently, Bangladesh registered a massive 546-run victory over the visiting Afghanistan team in the one-off Test match. However, the ODI series is expected to be really competitive and exciting as both the teams have some really talented white-ball cricketers in their respective line-ups.

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Pitch Report

The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium has gained recognition for its bowling-friendly wickets, offering a challenge to batsmen and the same is expected for BAN vs AFG 1st ODI. However, it is important to note that the stadium also provides ample opportunities for batters to showcase their skills. Particularly in the initial overs of the innings, fast bowlers can be highly effective on this pitch, extracting movement and bounce. This early burst can put the batting side under pressure from the outset.

As the game progresses, the pitch tends to offer significant assistance to spinners. With its spinning conditions, the stadium becomes a haven for the spin bowlers, who can dominate the game and create trouble for the opposition. Both teams boast excellent spin options, ensuring an intriguing contest between bat and ball.

Looking at the historical records, the average score on this ground stands at 208 runs. This indicates the dominance of the bowling units, as they have managed to keep the scoring in check. Moreover, statistical evidence suggests that teams bowling second at this venue have a higher likelihood of securing victory. The conditions often favor the bowlers during the second innings, making it challenging for the chasing team to achieve the required target.

Team Records at Chattogram

• A total of 25 ODI matches have been played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium so far out of which Bangladesh have won as many as 16 games while 9 matches have been won by visiting teams.
• As many as 10 ODI matches have been won by teams batting first while chasing teams have registered a total of 11 victories.
• The average first innings score at this venue remains around the 210 – 220 mark.
• Bangladesh’s ODI captain Tamim Iqbal is the highest run-scorer at this ground with a total of 603 runs from 19 innings.
• Shakib Al Hasan has picked up the most number of wickets in Chattogram having taken 41 wickets from 21 matches.