Shifting their attention from T20Is, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are preparing to face off in the first match of a three-match ODI series on Wednesday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The series comes just days after Bangladesh delivered a dominant performance in the T20I leg, sweeping the three-match series 3-0. Bangladesh enter the series with momentum firmly in their corner.
Their comprehensive whitewash in the T20Is highlighted discipline and hunger for victory after a lacklustre performance in the Asia Cup. Players like Saif Hassan, Jake Ali, Tanzid Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin were instrumental in the T20I series and will look to carry their form into the ODIs. Interestingly, Bangladesh, who have traditionally been stronger in ODIs, would present a huge challenge to Afghanistan.
For Afghanistan, the ODI series is a fresh opportunity to bounce back. Despite a disappointing T20I outing, Afghanistan would look to leave the past behind and come back stronger in ODIs. The likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, star spinner Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will be crucial in helping Afghanistan turn the tide. Heading into the first game, Afghanistan will be eager to seize an early lead to put pressure on Bangladesh.
Head-to-head
Matches - 19
AFG won - 8
BAN won - 11
Afghanistan Probable XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, A. M. Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Abdollah Ahmadzai
Bangladesh Probable XI: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud