ICC World Cup 2019: Match 31, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Preview – Winless Afghans battle for pride against roaring Tigers

After a rollercoaster ride against India, Afghanistan became the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup 2019. With six defeats to their name, they can garner a maximum of six points through their remaining fixtures which would not be enough for them to make it to the top four. All of the remaining games will now be a battle for pride.

Bangladesh still have something to fight for in the tournament. With two wins to their name in five games and also a game getting washed out, they have three points in their kitty and are firmly in contention for a place in the semifinals. Though it will be tough for them to break the current quartet at the top. Afghanistan will not be an easy passage for them, especially after their recent performances.

During their recent encounters in the Asia Cup, both sides won one game each. There is a fierce rivalry generating between these two sides, who are trying to find their feet among the best in the world. Bangladesh are clearly on top in that regard, but their head to head record suggests there isn’t much of a difference and this contest will go down the wire.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh

Mosaddek Hussain could come back for the underperforming Sabbir Rahman. All of their top order batsmen have registered some important runs, which should boost the side’s confidence. Their bowling has been the biggest concern, Mohammad Saifuddin might come in for Rubel Hossain. Mustafizur Rahman and Mashrafe Mortaza have to be more consistent with their channels to be more effective with wickets.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman/Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Rubel Hossain/Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan

Gulbadin Naib and Hazratullah Zazai will continue to open with Rahmat Shah coming in at number 3. Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran will have to do the scorecard acceleration in the middle and final overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman found some form in the previous game and the spin department did a fabulous job to restrict the Indians to a below total. Rashid Khan too found some rhythm, making their bowling attack more potent than the earlier games.

Probable XI

Hazratullah Zazai, Gulbadin Naib (C), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

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Focus will be on

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)

One of the cult legends of Bangladesh cricket, Mushfiqur Rahim became only the third cricketer from the country to score a World Cup hundred. He once again showed great grit and temperament just the way he’s done so many times in his career, but the Tigers will need a lot more of that going into the business end of the group stages.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

With the bat and ball, Mohammad Nabi bossed in the game against India. He was a couple of hits away from winning the game for his country and picking the Man of the Match award, but it wasn’t to be the case. Their most experienced and talented cricketer could be playing his final World Cup and he would be keen to churn out a good performance almost every game.

Head to head

Matches Played – 7 | Bangladesh won – 4 | Afghanistan won – 3 | No result – 0

Stat Attack

50 – This will be Soumya Sarkar’s 50th ODI for the Tigers.

80 – Mahmudullah needs 80 runs to complete 4,000 ODI runs.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 13:00 IST; 10:30 local