Afghanistan vs Bangladesh — 1st ODI: Clash at 6 PM Tonight
LIVE MATCH
Cricket fever rises this evening as Afghanistan and Bangladesh lock horns in the first One–Day International (ODI) of their series, beginning at 6:00 pm. Fans from both sides can expect a riveting contest as the battle for early momentum unfolds.
Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team: After losing 3-0 against Bangladesh in the recently-concluded three-match T20I series, Afghanistan will regroup again under a new captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, ahead of the 1st ODI against the same side on Wednesday. Notably, the Rashid Khan-led T20I side has seen a massive performance dip in the matches they have played this season in the UAE.
Notably, Afghanistan finished as runners-up in the tri-series involving Pakistan and the UAE. Other than that, Afghanistan also failed to qualify for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, which recently ended.
Bangladesh will look to continue the winning momentum gained after they inflicted a 3-0 whitewash against Afghanistan. The ODI series will consist of three games, all of which are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.
🏏 Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Ikram Alikhil, Bilal Sami
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (WK), Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana
🏏 Match Context & Stakes
This is the opening game of a three-match ODI series played in the UAE.
Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, aims to capitalize on home conditions and build early confidence.
Bangladesh, under Mehidy Hasan Miraz (ODIs), come in hoping to reverse recent form and assert their presence in the series.
🔍 What to Watch For
Pitch & Conditions
The UAE surfaces often favor spinners and slow bowlers as the match wears on. The toss might play an important role in deciding whether to bat or bowl first.Spin Attack & Variations
Afghanistan’s spin arsenal—especially with Rashid Khan in the mix—will look to exploit turning conditions. For Bangladesh, containing the spinners and rotating strike will be vital.Bangladesh’s Top Order Consistency
If their top 3–4 batters can give a solid platform, Bangladesh could challenge strongly. But collapses in the past have been a concern.Death Overs Execution
The final 10 overs often decide ODIs. Who handles the pressure better tonight could swing the result.
🧾 Recent History & Numbers
While direct head-to-head stats for this exact fixture might be limited, recent trends offer insight:
In their 2024–25 UAE series, Afghanistan clinched the ODI series 2–1 over Bangladesh.
In the first match of that series, Afghanistan posted 235 all out and bowled Bangladesh out for 143, winning by 92 runs. FanCode+5ESPN.com+5NDTV Sports+5
That match was particularly memorable for Allah Ghazanfar’s 6/26, a match-turning bowling spell. myKhel+2NDTV Sports+2
These historical reminders will surely fuel Bangladesh’s resolve to turn the tables this time.
📺 Broadcast & Streaming Info
The live streaming and telecast details vary by region. Viewers should check local sports networks or streaming services offering cricket coverage in their area.
In past matches, services like FanCode streamed the games in some regions. The Indian Express
📝 Pre-Match Team Notes & Possible XIs
Team Key Players to Watch Potential Challenges Afghanistan Rashid Khan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Allah Ghazanfar Balancing spin and pace; early wickets Bangladesh Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Top-order stability; handling spin under pressure Expect both teams to bring their best combinations, mixing experienced hands with younger talents seeking breakthrough performances.
🎯 Prediction & What Might Decide the Match
If Afghanistan win the toss and bat first, they could set a competitive total—especially if their middle order stabilizes after early wickets. Bangladesh, meanwhile, must guard against a top-order collapse and aim to keep the required run rate manageable.
A match of this nature could come down to spin control, fielding lapses, or death-over execution.
0 Comments