Afghanistan’s tour of Bangladesh 2023 is all in readiness of entering its second leg in the form of a three-match ODI series starting from tomorrow. With more than a two-week long gap between a one-off Test in Mirpur and the first ODI in Chattogram, refreshed players are expected to approach a different format with a lot of zeal.
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The return of star players on both sides is almost certain to put on display an equal and more interesting contest in this format unlike the Test match.
Speaking of the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, it will be hosting an international match just over three months after last hosting a Bangladesh-Ireland T20I in March.
As far as ODIs are concerned, hosts Bangladesh have participated in each of the 25 ODIs played here. While they have won 16 and lost nine to have a praiseworthy venue record, Afghanistan had won one but lost two out of their three ODIs in the city last year.
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium ODI Records
Four out of the five highest ODI run-scorers at this stadium are part of the current Bangladeshi squad. They are Tamim Iqbal (603), Mushfiqur Rahim (577), Shakib Al Hasan (472) and Litton Das (340). Talking about the Afghan batters, Rahmat Shah (133), Najibullah Zadran (122) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (120) have scored more than 100 ODI runs here.
Intensity 🆙
📸: AfghanAtalan are done with their last practice session before taking on @BCBtigers in the first ODI tomorrow. 👏#AfghanAtalan | #BANvAFG2023 | #XBull pic.twitter.com/dB4VYWiOqP
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 4, 2023
Unlike batters, only a couple of bowlers in Shakib (41) and Mustafizur Rahman (11) are part of the Top Five highest wicket-takers in Chattogram ODIs. Part of the current squad, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has also picked eight wickets at this ground. Afghanistan’s fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi (6) and spinner Rashid Khan (5) have dismissed five or more batters in ODIs played at this venue.
Highest Innings Totals In Chattogram ODIs
| Score | Overs | Team | Opposition | Year |
| 409/8 | 50 | India | Bangladesh | 2022 |
| 309/7 | 50 | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 2006 |
| 306/4 | 50 | Bangladesh | Afghanistan | 2022 |
| 297/6 | 50 | Bangladesh | West Indies | 2021 |
| 288/3 | 42.1 | Bangladesh | Zimbabwe | 2018 |
Out of 50 ODI innings at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, the 300-run mark has been surpassed only thrice. While 10 ODIs have been won by the team batting first, 15 have been won by the team batting second.
Bangladesh, who’ve sealed 11 out of 15 successful ODI run-chases at this ground, hold the record for the highest successful run-chase as well. Readers must note that the above mentioned fifth-highest innings total is also the highest target achieved in Chattogram ODIs.
