In the last Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI series, we saw the bold return of the Bengal Tigers even after being dominated by the previous two matches. So, now the expectation became higher of them. Afghanistan wanted to finish the ODI series 3-0, but the last one went out of their grip. The T-20 series starting on 14th July 2023, is going to make important sense for both sides. Each side will try hard to grip this series especially Bangladesh, who is the host for all the recent matches against Afghans. However, here we will discuss the team previews, the predicted playing sides, and a few other things.
Present scenario:
Bangladesh is counted in the list of efficient cricketing countries in Asia. Once upon a time, they were not like what they have achieved today. Lots of struggle and patience led them to this place. Afghanistan was always considered a country of terrorism where people used to live with fear and restrictions. Cricket gave them the freedom to explore more than they ever imagined.
However, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan matches are running for the last few weeks. Last time, Bangladesh made a strong comeback in the 3rd ODI winning by 7 wickets. But unfortunately, they lost the series 2-1. They will push hard to bring momentum into the T-20s and win this series. Afghanistan is recently one of the stronger T-20-playing teams and they have had a success in this format. They will strengthen themselves beating any opponent, especially in the sub-continental conditions. Both sides tasted their win previously. Now, it is time to grab the Twenty-20 series too to uplift the national team in the ICC team ranking list.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Team preview:
Bangladesh:
Team Bangladesh openers Rony Talukdar and Litton Das are in good form. They have made half-centuries in the recent One Day series. Their middle order consists of Captain Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Shanto, and Towhid Hridoy. Afif Hossain and Shamim Hossain will fight for the mid-order’s 6th aggressor batting position. Mehidy Hasan will try to add depth to their batting line-up by walking in at No. 7.
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will be their pace spearheads in the team. Shoriful Islam will come in as the third fast bowler if required and will provide the left-handed variation in the bowling attack. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan will partner alongside Nasum Ahmed to process the spin trio in the match.
Afghanistan:
Team Afghan will be led by their star bowler Rashid Khan in the T-20 series. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are in fine form with 100s in the ODI series. They will join with Hazaratullah Zazai to build the top-3 of the batting line-up. Najibullah Zadran, Mohammed Nabi, and Mohammed Shahzad will form the mid-order with the all-rounders Karim Jannat, and Rashid Khan expected to smash the final overs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead their seam spell with Karim Janat and Azmatullah Omarzai for the company. They have a bunch of expert spin bowlers in their squad with Rashid Khan. Rashid is expected to lead the spin attack with Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Mohammed Nabi in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T-20 match.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Predicted players:
Predicted playing 11 for Bangladesh:
Litton Das (wk), Rony Talukdar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed
Predicted playing 11 for Afghanistan:
Rahamnullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazaratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Amartullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Noor Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi,
Few other essential factors:
The pitch in Sylhet International Cricket Stadium for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan will be slightly slow with some assistance for the spinners. The balls might not have variable bounces like the first match was played. As per the weather forecasters, It is going to be bright and sunny weather.
However, we all would like to see a good balance between the bat and the ball in this match. The average scores must be in the range of 160-180 runs. both sides have a line-up of spinners and if the pitch allows the spinners, then it might be a low-scoring match.
Conclusion:
In Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T-20 match, both teams have excellent depth in their bowling and batting units with a lot of experienced all-rounders in their playing list. Bangladesh has the benefit of their home ground experience, but the Afghans possess strong weapons in the spinning spell with their skipper being the No.1 T-20 bowler. Bangladesh has many experienced batters but was unable to match their counterparts in the last ODI series. Therefore, I think Afghanistan will win this match.
