Afghanistan is poised to achieve its first ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh in the third and final match of the series. The game is set to take place in Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan dominated the second ODI, bowling Bangladesh out for just 109 runs while defending a modest total of 190.
Current Team Dynamics
The trajectory of both teams has diverged throughout this series. While Afghanistan’s confidence surged, Bangladesh faces challenges in overcoming their batting struggles. The Afghan bowlers excelled in the last match, with Azmatullah Omarzai claiming three wickets early on. Rashid Khan then dismantled the Bangladesh middle and lower order, reinforcing Afghanistan’s dominance.
Batting and Bowling Performance
- Bangladesh scored just 109 runs in the second ODI.
- Afghanistan set a target of 190 runs, which is their lowest first-innings total in Abu Dhabi.
- African bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan, displayed remarkable accuracy, claiming key wickets.
Afghanistan struggled through the middle overs, but Ibrahim Zadran’s steady batting helped them reach the 45-over mark. Zadran’s approach emphasized the importance of rotating the strike on slow pitches, with only four boundaries in his 140-ball innings.
Challenges for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s batting frailties have been evident throughout this series. Their inability to chase down a small target is a testament to their struggles, particularly within the top order. Despite the bowling and fielding departments performing reasonably well, the batting has consistently let the team down.
Key Players to Watch
- Ibrahim Zadran: Central to Afghanistan’s batting strategy, he has a knack for anchoring the innings.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Bangladesh’s captain is tasked with revitalizing a struggling batting lineup.
Team Adjustments and Player Updates
In terms of team composition, Afghanistan is likely to introduce Darwish Rasooli, who replaces the injured Rahmat Shah. There may also be opportunities for seamers Abdollah Ahmadzai or Bilal Sami to fill the wicketless Bashir Ahmad’s role.
Probable Lineups
Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Abdollah Ahmadzai / Bilal Sami
Bangladesh:
- Tanzid Hasan / Mohammad Naim
- Saif Hassan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c)
- Nurul Hasan (wk)
- Jaker Ali / Shamim Hossain
- Rishad Hossain
- Tanzim Hasan / Nahid Rana
- Tanvir Islam
- Mustafizur Rahman
Conclusion: Bangladesh Needs Strategy Shift
For Bangladesh to avoid a series sweep, they will need to devise a new approach. Addressing their batting woes while leveraging their bowling strengths is essential. As both teams prepare for the final encounter, Afghanistan will look to solidify their dominance while Bangladesh seeks redemption.
