In an exciting encounter, Afghanistan faced Bangladesh in the first T20I of 2025. The match took place in Sharjah, where Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Afghanistan’s Squad Changes
Afghanistan made notable adjustments to their lineup. Captain Rashid Khan brought in Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmed, and Mohammad Ishaq. This change followed the exclusion of Karim Janat and Fazalhaq Farooqi, both of whom were dropped after their performances in the Asia Cup. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also did not feature in the playing XI.
Bangladesh Strengthens Bowling Attack
On the other hand, Bangladesh reinforced their bowling lineup by including left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. Towhid Hridoy was left out of the squad, and Soumya Sarkar’s absence was noted due to visa delays. The team showcased a blend of youth and experience, aiming for success against their opponents.
Team Lineups
| Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | Saif Hassan |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Tanzid Hasan |
| Sediqullah Atal | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Darwish Rasooli | Nurul Hasan |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Jaker Ali (capt, wk) |
| Mohammad Nabi | Shamim Hossain |
| Rashid Khan (capt) | Rishad Hossain |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Tanzim Hasan |
| Noor Ahmad | Taskin Ahmed |
| Fareed Ahmed | Nasum Ahmed |
| Mohammad Ishaq | Mustafizur Rahman |
This first T20I match promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the talents of both teams. Fans are eagerly anticipating a strong performance from Afghanistan and Bangladesh in this series.
