BAN vs AFG 3rd Match Prediction

BAN vs AFG Team Previews

Bangladesh

Over the past few years, Bangladesh has become an increasingly powerful force when it comes to white-ball cricket. Between 2020 and 2022, the team achieved a staggering 70% win rate. However, their form has seen a bit of a dip in the last few months.

They were eliminated during the Super Four stage during the recent Asia Cup and also suffered a 2-0 loss against New Zealand in the run-up to this event. However, a win against India in the Asia Cup shows that the Tigers cannot be taken lightly at any stage.

Bangladesh has a strong batting line-up at its disposal and will bank on it to play well against the spin-heavy Afghan bowling attack. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was in brilliant form during the Asia Cup, will be the key batsman for Bangladesh as he pairs up with Litton Das to open the batting.

Towhid Hridoy has emerged as a reliable middle-order batsman, while Mushfiqur Rahim brings plenty of experience lower down. Bangladesh has two excellent all-rounders in the form of Shakib Al-Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both of whom can contribute immensely in all departments.

They will likely be joined by Mahmudullah in the spin attack. Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed have been in good form with the ball and will join Mustafizur Rahman in the seam department, while Hasan Mahmud may also find a spot in the team as the 4th seamer. 

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s performance in the World Cup has been far from ideal as they have managed to win just 1 of the 15 matches they have played in their two appearances. The last edition saw them get tantalizingly close to winning against teams like India and Pakistan but the lack of experience at the big stage caused them to crack under pressure.

However, the players have had plenty of exposure in the T20 leagues around the World, and that will be an advantage for them. The first thing that crosses the mind whenever one thinks of Afghanistan is the plethora of spin options at its disposal.

The talismanic Rashid Khan will be the key bowler for the team in this match. Khan has shown exceptional form in the IPL over the years and knows the conditions in India pretty well. Joining him in the spin attack will be Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

The batting has been a weak spot for Afghanistan in the past but the opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has shown some excellent form in recent months and will look to give the team a strong start. Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran will make up the middle order. Their form hasn’t been the most consistent and will need to score runs here.

The seam attack is another weak spot for Afghanistan as they lack experienced pace bowlers. Fazalhaq Farooqi is the most experienced campaigner with 27 ODIs, while Abdul Rahman and Naveen Ul-Haq will play a supporting role.