Afghanistan was defeated by Bangladesh by a huge 546 runs in the lone Test that was played in Mirpur last month.
The loss was caused by Afghanistan’s lack of experience playing the longest version of the game as well as the unavailability of several of its regular cricket players. Bangladesh won the match.
But now that white-ball cricket has taken over, and players like superstar Rashid Khan and veteran Mohammad Nabi have returned to the side after missing the Test match, the away team has developed into a formidable force in preparation for the one-day international series that begins today in Chattogram. The series will consist of three matches.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team is capable of giving their hosts a challenge, despite the fact that Bangladesh have been reliable in the 50-over format and may be considered favorites after defeating Afghanistan in four of their most recent five one-day internationals.
When the 31-year-old was asked whether he believed Bangladesh were favorites, he responded that Afghanistan were also here to play cricket and win. “Afghanistan are also here to play cricket and win,” he said. He undoubtedly meant what he said, which reflected the self-assurance developed from winning twelve of their eighteen games over the course of the previous two years.
In addition to this, he said, “It’s not about them. Yes, it is true that they have played fantastic cricket; but, the reason we are here is also to play good cricket. Additionally, throughout the course of the previous two years, we have accomplished a lot.
The apparent danger comes from the world-class Rashid, who has shown that he can be a game-changer even when facing the Tigers at their home stadium by taking twelve wickets in six games while maintaining an economy rate of 3.87.
Nabi is another player in the Afghan camp who has the potential to turn things around and offers a wealth of experience to the game, both with the bat and the ball. In Bangladesh, he played ten games and took a total of twelve wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 3.70. His batting talents will undoubtedly get a lot of attention, and for good reason.
In contrast, the mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been somewhat ineffective against the Tigers. In the three matches he has already played against Bangladesh, he has only been able to take one wicket.
The Afghan side included five new players, one of which was the uncapped teenage leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who has already established himself as a star in franchise cricket tournaments. Zia Akbar, an uncapped left-arm spinner, has the potential to provide another element of surprise for the away team.
Shahidi did not forget to remind what he has in his speed arsenal, which is headed by left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai with a collection of unproven pacers itching to make an impression. Bangladesh are aware of the danger that spin poses, but Shahidi did not fail to remind what he has in his pace arsenal.
The bright side is that we were equipped with capable spinners. But today we have capable sailors like Fazal and Azmat, who are carrying out their duties admirably. Saleem Safi and the new guy Wafadar Momand, both of whom have a strong speed, were also brought in by us. Additionally, he has exceptional speed, which provides a distinct edge for our team. He said that in addition to having powerful spinners, his team also had good pacers.
While Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s batting has the potential to be deadly on his best days, the likes of Rahmat Shah, Nabi, Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran have the capacity to throw a wrench into things for the Tigers.