BAN vs AFG, 1st T20I | Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Bangladesh won the final ODI [Source: Twitter]
Bangladesh and Afghanistan shift base from Chattogram to Sylhet for a short two-T20 International (T20I) series, which will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both teams are coming off massive series wins over Ireland and Pakistan, respectively, making this a mouth-watering affair.
Team Previews
Bangladesh
Bangladesh are formidable in T20Is at home and will look to regain supremacy after suffering an ODI series defeat. Led by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh would be eager to display their prowess in the shortest format, with almost their batters available for selection.
Their bowling looks solid, with Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman leading the three-man pace attack and Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz rounding off spinning duties.
Overall in 9 T20Is between these Asian teams, Bangladesh have won three and lost 6.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan team in action [Twitter]
Known to punch above their weight, Afghanistan are a force to reckon with in T20Is. With their battery of power hitters and spin wizards, the Rashid Khan-captained XI will look to prevail over their much-experienced opponents.
The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Fazalhaq Farooqi have been game-changers for Afghanistan cricket, infusing a fearless approach. Afghanistan does hold a psychological edge over the hosts, having won the ODIs 2-1.
Match Details
Date and Time: July 14, 05:30 PM IST
Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Live Streaming: FanCode App
Sylhet international cricket stadium pitch report
The surface at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has historically been batting-friendly. The track will support batters but will slowly assist the spinners as the game progresses. The match could be a high-scoring one, where batting first will be beneficial.
Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh: Najmul Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Rony Talukdar, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Litton Das, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Najmul Shanto, Ibrahim Zadran
All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mehidy Miraz
Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Shoriful Islam, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Captain: Shakib Al Hasan
Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan
Predictions
Although both teams are coming off massive T20I series win respectively, Bangladesh starts as favourites, with the matches being played in their backyard.
 "Vishal Mehra")
