AFG vs BAN – 1st ODI Match Prediction

Betting Tips

AFG vs BAN Match Prediction

Afghanistan to win the match 2.10

Despite Bangladesh’s decent bowling lineup, Afghanistan’s familiarity with spin and the Sharjah conditions could give them an edge. Bangladesh’s inconsistent middle-order batting and potential difficulty in negotiating world-class spin bowlers under these conditions make Afghanistan a slight favourite. Both teams are in reasonably good ODI form.

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head record

These two Asian powerhouses have shared thrilling encounters in the 50-over version of cricket. Afghanistan have won two of the last five ODI games and Bangladesh have gone three wins on the bounce after that. A neutral venue could bring another exciting contest.

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Live-Streaming and Broadcast

The first ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be streamed on the FanCode App.

AFG vs BAN Team Previews

Afghanistan

Afghanistan enters the first ODI with a blend of aggressive batters, world-class spinners and adaptable all-rounders, forming a lineup that aligns well with the conditions at Sharjah. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi leads a team brimming with confidence, particularly in spin-friendly conditions.

Shahidi himself is a steady middle-order batter capable of anchoring the innings. Vice-captain Rahmat Shah provides additional stability at the top. Alongside these anchors, Rahmanullah Gurbaz brings explosive energy to the powerplay with his fearless approach. His style of batting will be vital in taking early advantage of Sharjah’s shorter boundaries.

Afghanistan’s strength lies in its spin attack. This game gives Rashid Khan another opportunity to showcase his exceptional talent on a pitch that promises turn and bounce. Supported by Noor Ahmad’s left-arm wrist spin and Mohammad Nabi’s off-spin, Afghanistan’s bowling unit is well-equipped to put Bangladesh’s lineup under significant pressure.

The seam department, led by left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, offers variety, with backup from medium pacers like Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, who can swing the ball in the early overs. This combination of versatile spin and pace gives Afghanistan the ability to control both powerplay and middle overs. Farooqi is also tidy at the death.

Afghanistan’s batting lineup extends with hard-hitters and adaptable players in the middle and lower-order, including Nabi and Naib, who can accelerate in the latter part of the innings. The squad’s familiarity with Afghan conditions similar to those at Sharjah, coupled with a well-rounded lineup, positions

Afghanistan as a formidable team ready to take the lead in this opening ODI.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh brings a balanced and experienced squad to the series, led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, whose stability and resilience make him a reliable anchor in the top-order. Shanto will be supported by seasoned campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad, both of whom bring years of experience playing in spin-friendly conditions.

Mushfiqur’s adaptability and quick scoring ability, along with Mahmudullah’s finishing skills, form the backbone of Bangladesh’s middle-order. Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan will be expected to set the pace at the top, providing a platform that allows the middle-order to build and accelerate as needed.

Bangladesh’s bowling lineup is fairly well-suited for Sharjah with a mix of spinners and experienced pacers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz leads the spin department, offering control and variety that will be crucial in the middle overs. He is supported by Nasum Ahmed and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, giving Bangladesh multiple spin options to counter Afghanistan’s aggressive batting.

On the pace front, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman bring discipline and variation, especially in the powerplay and death overs. Taskin’s raw pace combined with Mustafizur’s well-known cutters and slower balls will be essential in adapting to Sharjah’s slower surface.

Bangladesh’s lineup is rounded out with all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball. This balanced combination of experienced batters, versatile bowlers and strategic all-rounders makes Bangladesh a well-rounded team capable of challenging Afghanistan’s spin-dominant strategy.

Their adaptability and discipline in both batting and bowling make them a serious contender to push Afghanistan in what promises to be a closely fought contest.

AFG vs BAN Toss Prediction

At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the toss can significantly influence the outcome due to the unique characteristics of the pitch and weather conditions in the UAE. Historically, teams winning the toss at Sharjah often choose to bowl first, as the pitch tends to play slightly better for batting in the second innings.

This strategy also provides the chasing team the advantage of dew, which can make the ball skid on under lights.

For Afghanistan, whose strength lies in their spin attack, opting to bowl first would allow them to control Bangladesh’s batting in the initial overs and then unleash their spin arsenal under conditions that may suit their bowlers later in the innings. Bangladesh, on the other hand, may choose to bowl first if they win the toss as well.

They could aim to make early use of their pacers like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed in the cooler afternoon conditions. This approach would allow them to chase with their experienced middle-order navigating Afghanistan’s challenging spinners as the night dew sets in.

Pitch and Conditions

Sharjah Cricket Stadium is well-known for its slow, dry pitch that tends to favor spin bowling. Unlike some of the faster tracks in the region, Sharjah often sees low bounce and a surface that breaks down to enhance grip for spinners.

This pitch characteristic has historically provided an edge to teams with strong spin attacks, such as Afghanistan, who have world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Bangladesh, however, also has a couple of skilled spinners.

Expect the ball to turn significantly as the game progresses. Batters will need to adapt as the ball is likely to keep low. Despite the slow pitch, Sharjah’s shorter boundaries can favour batters who can adjust their timing. The spinners could be vulnerable if they don’t maintain tight lines.

The weather forecast for Sharjah on 6 November 2024 indicates clear skies with warm temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. The dry heat will aid the pitch in retaining its slow nature, while the evening dew can make the ball slick.

The dry weather also means minimal interruptions to ensure a full 50-over match without weather delays.

AFG vs BAN Betting Tips

Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, is tailor-made for the dry, turning pitch at Sharjah, which can be challenging for batters who aren’t accustomed to such conditions. Their familiarity with these slower surfaces gives them a strategic advantage.

Moreover, Afghanistan’s aggressive top-order can put up or chasing competitive scores.

Bet on Afghanistan to win.