Litton Das In The List: Bangladesh Players Who Can Frustrate Afghanistan In Asia Cup

Litton Das and Shamim Hossain [Source: @karim_kalesh/X.com]

Bangladesh had a disappointing outing against Sri Lanka in their last Asia Cup encounter, where they lost to the Charith Asalanka-led side by 6 wickets. However, the loss also exposed the major struggles of the team in this tournament. 

Openers out for ducks, all-rounders failing with the bat, and Mustafizur losing his sharpness with expensive spells. There are a lot of issues to address, but there isn't a lot of time to do so.

Bangladesh now remains with only one group stage fixture against Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 16, which is their only chance to make it to the Super Four stage. Afghanistan stands opposite to them for their final clash, and here are the batters who can perform against Sri Lanka to get the most for their team.

---

ALSO READ

Death by Wides! How Bangladesh Gift-Wrapped Sri Lanka’s Win In The Asia Cup

---

1) Litton Das

Litton Das, the Bangladesh skipper, is still in contention to make it big against Afghanistan after a decent show against Sri Lanka. While he stumbled in front of Wanindu Hasaranga in the last match, his stats against spin show good numbers.

(Table - Stats For Litton Das In T20Is)

In Abu Dhabi and against Afghanistan, Litton Das shows decent stats as well, which can prove to be a good obstacle ahead of the spin threats of the Afghan camp. From 9 matches, Litton Das bagged an average of 24.6 with a strike rate of 105.3. 

Notably, he also has a lower dot ball percentage of 37.4 against the Afghanistan attack. Overall, if Litton stays for long at the crease at Abu Dhabi, he can trouble the Rashid Khan-led camp.

2) Towhid Hridoy

Three T20I matches, 80 runs, a strike rate of 137.9 and an average of 40.00 against Afghanistan. Towhid Hridoy certainly packs the impact that is needed for Bangladesh against Afghanistan. Though he disappointed against Sri Lanka, he bagged 35 runs against Hong Kong in a slow-paced innings.

(Table - Stats For Towhid Hridoy In T20Is)

His stats in Abu Dhabi also reflect why he will be a good weapon against Afghanistan. From his two matches, he boasts an average of 43.0 and against a no-brainer spin attack from Rashid Khan's side, Hridoy also holds the stats to stand strong. 

In 36 matches against spinners, Hridoy was dismissed only 16 times while maintaining an impressive average of 26.1, which rounds about his success rate to 55.56%.

3) Shamim Hossain

Shamim Hossain, a consistent all-rounder from Bangladesh, found his place in the Playing XI in both the matches against Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. While he didn't get a chance to bat against Hong Kong, against Sri Lanka, he was the lone bright spot who top-scored with his 42 off 34. Moreover, if we look at his stats in Abu Dhabi, his credentials to make an impact become even stronger.

(Table - Stats For Shamim Hossain In T20Is)

Moreover, against Afghanistan, Shamim played 2 matches where he shone with consistency to boast an average of 45.0 while maintaining a decent strike rate of 132.4 in the lower middle order. Notably, the off-spinner will be a skilful addition against Afghanistan, as his spin will be crafty on the Abu Dhabi pitch.

P.S. - Taskin Ahmed will find it hard to make a place in the Playing XI against Afghanistan after the expensive spell against Hong Kong and fitting him in instead of better spin options might not be the most optimal choice for the Bengal Tigers.

---

ALSO READ

Nissanka, Mishara Crush Bangladesh As Sri Lanka Win Naagin Derby In Asia Cup 2025

---