*AFGHANISTAN VS BANGLADESH 1st ODI 2023 PREVIEW- ODI SERIES*
*THE BUILD UP:*
These two sides last met one another in a one-off test where Bangladesh were without their premier all rounder in Shakib and the Afghan Atalans missed the services of worlds best leggie, Rashid Khan. The Afghanis were given a reality check as they slipped to a terrible test match loss and come this ODI series, the Shahidi led side would be aiming at giving better returns and come out on top. They will also be bolstered by the return of Mr.Khan whos nothing but an addition of utmost importance and value.
The pitch at Chattogram has aided the spinners most often than not and when these two sides clash, we can expect the slow bowling type to rule the roost and make the batters pay. Afgh have Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb up their ranks who can be a handful on this track to match up to the skill levels of the home spinners who are Shakib and Mehdy, to name a few. A total revolving around the 250 mark should be enough to defend on this track and both outfits would be raring to go, in their preparations for the WorldCup later in India.
*AFGH PROBABLE XI:*
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Sayed Shirzad/Zia-ur-Rehman.
The left arm angle that Farooqi creates has put alot of batters under threat already and to add to that, he boasts of a stellar record in Bangladesh. He already has 6 wickets to his name at an impressive average of 24.33, the last time Afghanistan toured Bangladesh, he also picked up a four wicket haul that was crucial to his teams chances. The left armer would be eager to keep that momentum going and strike gold.
Ibrahim Zadran, the anchor among all other Aggresive batters in the Afgh lineup enjoyed his stint with his side vs Srilanka lately. He’d be looking forward to emulate similar success in Chattogram, in Bangladesh where he has played just a single ODI where he departed for a cheap score of 19 runs. Zadran has a good footwork and likes to get to the pitch of the ball, he is technically strong and players like him often tend to succeed against quality spin bowling on tracks that are tough for batting. Keep an eye out for this youngster.
The spin duo of Mujeeb and Rashid have been a thorn in so many ways to the opponents. They cherish playing with each other and picking up wickets and destroying hopes in tandem. On a surface which is likely to be a turning one, it’s the magic that these two produce that can decide the fate of this game.
*BAN PROBABLE XI:*
Tamim Iqbal (C), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Tamim, returning to his duties as the skipper of the side and as the premier batter, is a big plus for Bangladesh but his form off late has not been the best. However, he averages a decent 38 vs Afghanistan with a high score of 118, come the first ODI, he’d be aiming for a statement of intent and capitalise on Afghanistan’s away troubles with the bowl in hand.
The return of Shakib ought to be a blessing for Bangladesh. He is by far, the most complete cricketer to have emerged out of this nation but would be disappointed with his performances vs Afghanistan specially with the bat as he averages a mere 28 with just 2 fifties under his belt. What is satisfactory however, is his contrasting returns with the white cherry, averaging 17 with 23 wickets up his sleeves. He knows how to choke the oppositions and control the game. His years of playing for this beautiful country has most certainly paid dividends and the Atalans would be vary of this.
Amidst the spinners creating havoc, Mustafiz completes the job at home very quietly. He is an effective pick with his cutters and slower ones which the batters get deceived by. The Afghans could fall for a similar trap like most other international teams.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR AFGH:*
Highest run getter- Rahmatullah Gurbaz/Ibrahim Zadran
Highest wicket taker- Rashid Khan/Fazalhaq Farooqi
*FOR BAN:*
Highest run getter- Shakib Al Hasan/Litton Das
Highest wicket taker- Shakib Al Hasan/Mustafizur Rehman
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Bangladesh are an unbelievable side at home. It takes a humongous effort to topple them so I’m backing them to win.