AFG vs BAN | World Cup "dark horses" tag up in air as Afghanistan host Bangladesh in Sharjah

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Afghanistan and Bangladesh will renew hostilities with a three-match T20I series in Sharjah beginning October 2 . The latter narrowly missed out on an Asia Cup final berth after progressing at the expense of Afghanistan, adding narrative to the encounters with next year's World Cup firmly in focus.

Rashid Khan will hope to gear up Afghanistan for the T20 World Cup by leading them to a series win against Bangladesh in Sharjah

‌No continent has experienced as consistent a growth in cricket as Asia in the sport's history. From breeding three world champions to two perpetual upset-wielders, the recently concluded Asia Cup saw as many as eight nations participate -- all of which have participated in at least one edition of a World Cup. However, the next evolutionary step is due, and the onus lies on two teams about to lock horns for a spicy bilateral series, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The former have already staked a claim amongst the big boys with a dream run to the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, albeit it ended in a crushing defeat to South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have won just 12 games across nine editions and never finished higher than seventh. Despite becoming an ICC member over a decade before their rivals, the Tigers stand the risk of being overshadowed by the Atalans, a record they'll hope to put straight over the next six months beginning with the upcoming series.

Form Guide

Afghanistan managed a solitary win in the Asia Cup over minnows Hong Kong, pushing both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the brink but failing to reap a positive result. In the run up to the event, the side had reached a tri-series finale in the UAE where they lost to Pakistan after splitting results with them in the preceding double round-robin.

Bangladesh

Afghanistan: L L W L W

Bangladesh: L L W W L

AFG vs BAN Head-to-Head in T20s

Despite losing three of their last four T20Is against the Tigers, Afghanistan hold a narrow edge in the two teams' head-to-head which could disappear come Thursday. The two teams last met in a bilateral series in 2023 with Bangladesh registering a 2-0 clean sweep at home.

Bangladesh seemed to consistently improve through the Asia Cup, characterized by a near first-round elimination after a loss to Sri Lanka and a close tussle with the Afghans, followed by an almost-final appearance courtesy a thumping win over the Lions and a close call against Pakistan in the Super Fours stage.

Afghanistan 7-6 Bangladesh

Pitch and Weather

With significant amounts of international cricket played at Sharjah in recent times, the usually slower Sharjah deck is expected to play even duller with wear and tear. Expect the spinners to rule the roost, while the possibility of dew should incline the captain winning the toss to bowl first.

The temperature in Sharjah is predict to hover in the early 30s degrees celsius as per Accuweather, with the sky devoid of any clouds and chances of rain. The humidity levels, typical to this part of the world, shall be uncomofrtably high.

Team News

Afghanistan have left out left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Ghazanfar, which should pave the way for uncapped Bashir Ahmed and the experienced Mujeeb Ur Rahman respectively. Darwish Rasooli's unimpressive run with the bat might also allow 18-year-old Wafiullah Tarakhil to make a senior team debut.

Bangladesh are without Litton Das but welcome back fellow opener Soumya Sarkar for the first time this year after an extended stint on the sidelines.

Afghanistan Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad

Bangladesh Probable XI: Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Jaker Ali (wk), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman