Get ready for an exhilarating showdown as Afghanistan takes on Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. After a resounding victory in the first ODI, Afghanistan aims to maintain their dominance, while Bangladesh will be determined to bounce back and level the series.
Bangladesh suffered a major setback as their captain, Tamim Iqbal, announced his retirement right after the first ODI. The absence of their seasoned leader will pose a challenge for the team as they search for a new captain. With the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in the squad, the Bangladesh Cricket Board faces a tough decision.
This series holds great significance for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup and Fifty Overs World Cup in October-November. It’s an opportune moment to fine-tune their playing XI through trial and testing, aiming to build a formidable team for the upcoming mega events.
In the first ODI, Afghanistan showcased their prowess with an outstanding performance. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi made a shrewd decision. Bangladesh had a decent start with a 30-run partnership between Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and despite a valiant half-century by Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh managed only 169-9 in their allotted 43 overs.
The Afghan bowlers were in top form, with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the pack with figures of 3/24. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai claimed one wicket apiece. Saleem Safi had a tough time with the ball, conceding runs at a high rate.
Chasing a revised target of 164 due to rain interruptions, Afghanistan’s opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran got off to a strong start. However, Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Gurbaz, and Taskin Ahmed removed Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Ibrahim Zadran showed his class and was nearing a half-century when rain played spoilsport for the third time. The match officials used the DLS method to determine the result, declaring Afghanistan the winners by 17 runs.
Looking at their recent performances, Afghanistan has the momentum on their side. They emerged victorious against Sri Lanka in the 50-over format and defeated an inexperienced Pakistan side in the T20I series. Bangladesh, on the other hand, enjoyed success against Ireland in the ODI series.
Head to Head: In head-to-head encounters, Bangladesh holds the advantage with seven wins out of 12 matches against Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan broke Bangladesh’s four-match winning streak in the first ODI, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the second match.
मुख्य खिलाड़ी:
Shakib Al Hasan: The veteran all-rounder has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh over the years. Coming back from a finger injury, Shakib will be eager to make a significant contribution to his team’s cause. He has been in good form, scoring 312 runs in eight innings at an average of 39. With the ball, he has taken eight wickets.
Ibrahim Zadran: The talented young batsman has been a standout performer for Afghanistan. With his consistent performances at the top of the order, Ibrahim has amassed 215 runs in four innings in 2023, averaging an impressive 71.66. He displayed similar consistency in the ODI format last year, averaging 71.83.
Predicted XIs:
Bangladesh: Liton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammed Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sayed Shirzad, Izharulhaq Naveed
In conclusion, brace yourselves for an enthralling clash between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. With both teams aiming for victory and preparing for upcoming major tournaments, the match promises intense competition and thrilling moments. Don’t miss the action-packed encounter at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
