After a stunning series win in Pakistan, Bangladesh had two poor series, first against India and at home to South Africa.
The Bengal Tigers now look forward to a format switch as they move to the white-ball game. Najmul Hossain Shanto leads Bangladesh during what has been a tricky phase, and the team are looking to move beyond their old guards as they go up against Afghanistan, who are settling in well with their young talents.
Ahead of the first ODI, here are our match preview and predictions.
Also read: Afghanistan Cricket Board Sponsors 2024 | Bangladesh Cricket Board Sponsors 2024
The hosts have Hashmatullah Shahidi leading a well-rounded squad boasting of quite a number of strong players. Afghanistan have Shahidi along with Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of their batting order along with a couple of youngsters in Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, and Abdul Malik. Rashid Khan, as always, will be key for Afghanistan, with Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi also having to step up with both bat and ball. The exciting youngster Nangeyaila Kharote will have all eyes on him as he leds with the ball alongside Bilal Sami and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh head into the series with Najmul Hossain Shanto taking the reins as the team transition into a new era, with some veterans in the final leg of their careers. Shanto has a solid and experienced batting unit, with Soumya Sarkar returning to the national squad along with Tanzid Hasan, the experienced Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Mehidy Hasan is now the side’s main all-rounder as Shakib Al Hasan has opted out of the series. The Bangla bowling lineup will be led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. It is a comparatively thinner line-up, with Nahid Rana certain to have all eyes on him following his recent performances as well, while left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed is also in the squad and will be counted on for the slow, turning UAE pitches.
Both sides come into the series boasting a mix of experience and young talents. The conditions in Sharjah should suit both of them, though we back Afghanistan for the first game as they hold the advantage over Bangladesh with the ball.
Fantasy XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Nabi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mustafizur Rahman
Venue: Sharjah
Winners Prediction: Afghanistan
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