Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Match Preview, 1st ODI

Afghanistan (AFG) will host Bangladesh (BAN) for a three-match ODI series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting on Wednesday, November 6. After a phenomenal Test series win over Pakistan, the Bangla Tigers were optimistic about being a consistent side in the game but following back-to-back series defeats to India and South Africa, their confidence will be really low. On top of that, there are several controversies regarding captaincy and also on what’s going on with Shakib Al Hasan.

Despite so, Bangladesh will be hopeful to do well in the series and return to winning ways. Shanto has been handed the baton and he needs to prove his value alongside seniors Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim. The bowling department which struggled heavily in the recent past, will be led by Mustafizur Rahman. Nahid Rana’s progress will also be closely monitored.

Afghanistan, on the other other, defeated South Africa 2-1 in the ODI series that took place in September in the UAE. Their bowling unit has done a commendable job and the players would be hoping to keep up with the momentum in the series against Bangladesh. Among batters, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai will be vital.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will support both the batting and bowling unit. The spinners will come into the play after the initial overs and batters might struggle a bit after that. It will be relatively easy to score against the pacers. Anything over 270 runs can be a good total on the board.

Head-to-Head Record

AFG vs BAN Playing XIs

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to open the innings alongside Riaz Hassan. Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah and Omarzai will be in charge of the middle order while the spin of Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar will look forward to breaking the shackles of Bangladesh in the second innings.

Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Riaz Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wk), AM Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh

Tanzim Hasan and Soumya Sarkar are expected to open for Bangladesh. Captain Shanto will be batting at three, followed by Towhid Hridoy and the seniors Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur will have the job of the finishing. 

Playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.