The highly anticipated first ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh is set to take place on November 6, 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. This match marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series, with both teams eager to establish dominance early in the series.
Afghanistan come up with a challenging squad
Afghanistan enter into the series with a strong squad led by Hashmatullah Shahidi. The team boasts a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Key players to watch include:
- Rashid Khan: Renowned for his leg-spin bowling, he is a game-changer who can turn matches with both bat and ball.
- Mohammad Nabi: An all-rounder with the ability to contribute significantly in crucial moments.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: A dynamic opener who can provide a solid start or accelerate the innings.
The squad features a blend of pace and spin options, making them adaptable to the conditions in Sharjah. Their recent performances suggest they are capable of challenging any side, especially with their spin-heavy attack.
Key matchups
- Rashid Khan vs. Bangladesh’s top order: Rashid’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs could be pivotal. How Bangladesh’s top order handles his spin will be crucial.
- Afghanistan’s pace attack vs. Bangladesh’s batting depth: The effectiveness of Afghanistan’s fast bowlers against Bangladesh’s batting lineup will determine the flow of runs.
Afghanistan favouring conditions calls for home advantage
The pitch at Sharjah is traditionally conducive to batting, but spinners often come into play as the game progresses. Teams winning the toss may prefer to chase, given the dew factor in evening matches. This ODI series promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to kick off their series with a win.
Also WATCH: Rashid Khan and others celebrate Afghanistan A’s triumph in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024
Best playing XI for Afghanistan for the ODI series against Bangladesh:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Strengths: An aggressive opener known for his explosive batting and ability to score quickly. Gurbaz has experience in franchise cricket, which enhances his ability to handle pressure.
- Expectations: To provide a strong start and set a solid foundation for the innings, aiming for a quick-fire fifty.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Role: Top-order Batter/ Captain
- Strengths: A technically sound batter with a calm demeanor. He excels in building innings and rotating the strike.
- Expectations: To lead from the front anchoring the innings and play a pivotal role in stabilizing the batting order, especially if early wickets fall.
- Rahmat Shah
- Role: Middle-order Batter
- Strengths: Known for his ability to play spin well and build partnerships. His experience is crucial in navigating tough situations.
- Expectations: To contribute significantly in the middle overs, ensuring that Afghanistan maintains momentum.
- Najibullah Zadran
- Role: Middle-order Batter
- Strengths: A powerful hitter capable of changing the game in a few overs. His aggressive style is complemented by good running between the wickets.
- Expectations: To accelerate the scoring rate during the latter stages of the innings and finish strongly.
- Mohammad Nabi
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: A seasoned player with excellent skills in both batting and bowling. Nabi is adept at playing spin and can bowl crucial overs.
- Expectations: To provide stability in the middle order and contribute with vital overs, especially during crucial phases of the game.
- Gulbadin Naib
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Offers balance to the team with his all-round capabilities. Naib’s experience allows him to perform under pressure.
- Expectations: To chip in with runs down the order and provide vital breakthroughs with his medium pace.
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Emerging talent who can bowl medium pace and bat effectively in lower-order situations.
- Expectations: To play a supporting role with both bat and ball, contributing crucial runs and maintaining pressure on batters.
- Rashid Khan
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: One of the world’s best spinners known for his wicket-taking ability and game awareness. Rashid can also contribute valuable runs down the order.
- Expectations: To lead bowling attack of the side and making strategic decisions that could turn the match in Afghanistan’s favour.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: A left-arm pacer with good control and ability to swing the ball, making him effective in both Powerplay and death overs.
- Expectations: To take early wickets and maintain pressure on Bangladesh’s top order.
- Fareed Ahmad Malik
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: A left-arm fast bowler known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, which can be effective in both Powerplay and death overs.
- Expectations: To take early wickets and maintain pressure on Bangladesh’s top order, utilizing his variations effectively.
- Noor Ahmad
- Role: Spinner
- Strengths: A left-arm wrist spinner with variations that can deceive batters, especially on turning tracks.
- Expectations: To exploit any spin-friendly conditions, taking wickets while keeping run rates low.