Bangladesh are gearing up for a significant tour to the United Arab Emirates, where they will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series commencing on Wednesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match is set to begin at 4:00 PM Bangladesh time.
After suffering humaliating Test defeat in home series against South Africa following away white wash, Tigers will being new mission against Afganisthan.
This ODI series holds great importance for both teams as they prepare for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The teams are entering the series with contrasting recent performances. Bangladesh suffered heavy defeats against India in Tests and T20Is, and against South Africa in Tests. In contrast, Afghanistan made history by securing their first-ever ODI series win against South Africa.
Bangladesh last played a 50-over match in March this year. Despite winning that series, they have been out of international action for a while, making it intriguing to see how they perform.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead Bangladesh, despite his reluctance to be the all-format captain. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been appointed as Shanto’s deputy for the series against Afghanistan. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be missing the injured Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman but will see the return of Noor Ahmad.
Bangladesh’s squad includes new faces, returning players, and notable absentees. Nahid Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the squad, presenting him with a chance to make his international debut. Wicketkeeper Jaker Ali has also been included, adding depth behind the stumps. Zakir Hasan and Nasum Ahmed return to the national side after a year-long absence, bringing valuable experience and skill.
However, Bangladesh will be without key players such as Litton Das, who is recovering from illness, and pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud, both ruled out due to injuries, weakening their bowling attack.
The team has also faced coaching turmoil. Chandika Hathurusingha was suspended and then sacked within days, with Phil Simmons stepping in. This upheaval coincided with the controversy surrounding Shakib Al Hasan’s Test retirement and his subsequent absence from the South Africa series due to security concerns.
Bangladesh struggled to overcome these challenges during the South Africa series, but they must move forward, ideally starting with this series against Afghanistan.
However, considering the form and familiarity with conditions Afghans are favourites when the off-field issues and poor results have bogged Bangladesh down of late.
