Bangladesh and Afghanistan face off in a Mouth-Watering Contest

Bangladesh and Afghanistan who are often termed as under-dogs in World Super League. Both the nations are going to clash on 23^rd February, 25^th February & 28^th February. All the matches are going to be played at Chattogram, Bangladesh.

• Journey

Currently Bangladesh is placed at 2^nd position with 80 points from 12 matches. Afghanistan have been unscathed so far. Afghanistan is placed at 6^th position with 60 points from 6 matches. Bangladesh are coming back from a series victory against Zimbabwe. The series was played in Zimbabwe in July 2021.

Afghanistan on the other hand are coming back on a successful campaign against Netherlands. They defeated Netherlands in Qatar as all the matches were played at Doha, Qatar. Afghanistan know that they can create a lot of upsets as defeating Netherlands wasn’t that much easy.

• Teams

Bangladesh would hope & believe that they win ODI Series against Afghanistan; giving any sort of chance can make it spicy. Tamim Iqbal the batter is back in the team & is ready to take the duties of skipper. The experience of Shakib, Rahim & Mahmudullah would definitely hold the team in good stead. The team composition of Bangladesh looks like a champion side who can defeat any side.

Afghanistan is looking ominous here as they haven’t lost a single match till now. The Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi would be aiming for another triumph, though it isn’t that easy given Bangladesh’s sturdy record at home. The batters like Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran & Mohammad Nabi are capable of posting a total in range of 250+ runs. The spin department of Afghanistan is blessed with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman & Nabi who can dismantle any team on their day.

• Tactics & Matchup      

Bangladesh’s main target should be to restrict Afghanistan below 250 runs. Afghanistan’s spinners have the prowess of defending a target in the range of 250 runs. Afghanistan would hope that they bat long as getting bundled out for a paltry 180 runs isn’t a good option. All in all, Afghanistan looks favorite to win ODI Series unless & until Bangladesh spin a web just like Afghanistan.

We are in for a fascinating ODI Series, if Bangladesh win this ODI Series then it takes them one step closer to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan may sound favorite but we can’t write off Bangladesh who have defeated Champion teams in the last 2 decades. Bangladesh’s main arsenal is their batting, it’s crystal clear Afghanistan can’t chase down target in excess of 270+ runs.