AFG vs BAN Match Prediction [Source: @ACBofficials/x.com]
Afghanistan is set to take on Bangladesh in the first match of the three-match ODI series on Wednesday, November 6 at the Sharjah Cricket Ground. With both sides filled with promising names, fans are in for a cracking contest.
Afghanistan is entering this series with a strong tailwind, fresh from an impressive 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa in September. The same Sharjah pitch that saw them succeed against the Proteas will host this series, and Afghanistan will look toto carry that momentum.
Their bowlers have been exceptional, and they’ll be looking to bring the heat again. On the batting side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and an in-form Sediqullah Atal, who could make his debut, will be key figures to watch. If they can keep their form up, Afghanistan is in for a good start.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is stepping back into ODI action after a bit of a break. Their last 50-over game was in March, where they did manage a series win. But a lot of time has passed since then, and they’ll be itching to shake off the rust and get back to winning ways.
Shanto, taking on a leadership role, will have a point to prove. He’ll be supported by seasoned campaigners like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, who’ll bring stability and experience. Bangladesh’s bowling, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, has had some struggles recently. A close eye will be on young Nahid Rana to see how he steps up as Bangladesh look to start with a win.
AFG vs BAN Head-to-Head Records
Categories | Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
---|---|---|
Matches Played | 16 | 16 |
Matches Won | 6 | 10 |
Matches Lost | 10 | 6 |
No Result | 0 | 0 |
How Will the Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Behave?
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch offers a mix of pace and spin, making it an interesting ground for ODIs. It starts off with good bounce and pace, which batters can take advantage of early on. But as the match progresses, spinners tend to get into the game, with the pitch slowing down. Sharjah’s dry, often dusty surface is known to favour spin, especially in the middle overs. Skippers usually prefer to bowl first, trying to restrict the opposition. Any score over 250 is generally competitive here, with spinners likely to play a decisive role.
Players To Watch Out For In AFG vs BAN 1st ODI
Top All-Rounders
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Azmatullah Omarzai has been in exceptional form, scoring 461 runs in his last 10 matches at an impressive average of 76.83 and a strike rate of 108.72.He can also swing the new ball and grab crucial breakthroughs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been in exceptional form with the bat as seen in Bangladesh’s recent Test series vs South Africa. His variations will be critical for his side on Sharjah’s wicket that’s set to aid spinners.
Top Batting Performers
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
In his last 10 matches, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has amassed 469 runs at an average of 46.9 and a strike rate of 93.05. Notably, he scored his seventh ODI century against South Africa and contributed significantly to Afghanistan's historic series win. He will be key for the hosts.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto will shoulder the responsibility of holding the Bangladesh batting line-up together against Afghanistan’s menacing spinners. His ability to rotate the strike in the middle overs and keep the scoreboard ticking will be important for the visitors.
Top Bowling Performers
Rashid Khan (Bangladesh)
Over his last 4 matches, Rashid Khan has taken 11 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 3.47 and a strike rate of 20.45. His five-wicket haul on his birthday against South Africa was instrumental in securing the series victory.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Much will depend for Bangladesh on how Mustafizur Rahman bowls with the new ball and at the death. His off-cutters can prove to be lethal on this Sharjah track which provides grip to the bowlers.
Today's Match Prediction: AFG vs BAN 1st ODI
AFG vs BAN 1st ODI: Predicted Score
Predicted Top Performers
Afghanistan – Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan
Bangladesh – Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mustafizur Rahman
Predicted first innings score: 240-260
Predicted second innings score: 245-265
Predicted Result: The toss will be a big factor here, and the team bowling first will likely have an edge in this match.