Match Details:
Date: August 30, 2022
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Preview:
The Group B will be in action on Tuesday as Afghanistan will take on Bangladesh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Md. Nabi & Co. dominated the Asia Cup 2022 opener against official host Sri Lanka and registered comprehensive win by 8-wickets.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will play its first game in the tournament under the leadership of experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan but recent performances of the Tigers have not been up to the mark. They are coming on the back of a 2-1 series defeat to Zimbabwe.
Pitch Report:
While first two games at Dubai International Stadium saw bowlers driving the game, Sharjah Cricket Stadium is expected to provide an even contest between bat and ball. If batters will execute themselves well we can expect scores close to 170/180.
Team Analysis:
Bangladesh:
Shakib al Hasan-led side have failed to show consistency despite having senior players to their side. Mahamadullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib need to perform well collectively to bring favorable results in the game. Anamul Haque and Sabbir Rahman are likely to open the innings for their side and team will be hoping for a better show from both the batters.
Bangladesh's middle-order looks strong on paper but players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain will have to execute themselves well against Afghanistan. Bowling will be key for Tigers as the likes of Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Mohammad Saifuddin have won several games for the side and some similar performance might save the day for them.
Afghanistan:
Mohammad Nabi-led side have proved their potential to stay relevant amongst Asian sides by outplaying Sri Lanka and clinching 8-wicket win in the first game. Impressive 83-run stand between openers Hazratullah Zazai (37 off 28) and wicket-keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40 off 18) was crucial for the side in the game against Sri Lanka.
Both the players will have to deliver similar performance against experienced Bangladesh bowling attack. Afghanistan's bowling was clinical against Sri Lanka as Fazalhaq Farooqi picked three wickets, while Mujeeb and skipper Nabi returned with two wickets each. Naveen-ul-Haq was the only bowler from the side who finished the game with an economy above 7, while rest were highly impressive.
Predicted playing XI:
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Sabbir Rahman, Anamul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain
Afghanistan: Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (C), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat
Match prediction:
Conclusion:
Considering recent performances of both the sides, Afghanistan will be favorites in the upcoming game and likely to emerge victorious against Bangladesh.
