Tigers all set to begin the three-match ODI series following their biggest ever win in the Test match against Afghanistan at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram kicking off today.
The series opener starts at 2 PM when all of the matches of the ODI series will take place in Chattogram at the same venue.
Tigers, apart from losing their three-match ODI series to England by 2-1 and the last defeat was in March 3, had an excellent season in 2023.
After losing the last match of the three-match series against England on March 3, Bangladesh won the third ODI on March 6 and since then the Tigers lost only one T20 match against Ireland. Tigers won the T20 series against England and both ODI and T20 series against Ireland at home ground and three-match ODI series against Ireland at away ground (England).
In the only Test against Afghanistan started from June 14, won by 546 runs inside four days.
From March 1, 2023, Bangladesh conceded only one ODI defeat and as many in the T20 match, when they just had a bit of trouble in the third ODI against Ireland at Chelmsford when they had a closely contested five runs win on May 14, 2023.
However, their impressive performances in the last few months against England, Ireland and Afghanistan (One off Test) were certainly a huge boost up for the Tigers ahead to start the ODI series.
The recent past success at home and away grounds in both the ODI and T20 matches will afford the Tigers determination to dominate the visitors.
Besides the winning record of this year, Bangladesh lost only two ODI series at their home ground since 2015.
It be a tough task for Bangladesh to clinch a 3-0 series victory over Afghanistan, which appeared as a new power after winning 11 off their 15 outings in the ICC Super League, but considering the head to head record Tigers are the dominating sides when they won seven and conceded four defeats out of 11 encounters.
Afghanistan, in their last year’s tour of Bangladesh also lost the ODI series by 2-1, though they could throw some challenges.
For the coach this series against Afghanistan, will also be a crucial to watch players as much as he needs to find out the best combination for the upcoming Asia Cup and a three-match ODI series against New Zealand before the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Bangladesh Coach Hathurusingha said in Chattogram on Tuesday, “We are trying to give some players game time. That doesn't mean they know and we know the supporting role, what we want to do, what areas we need to look forward to the players.”
“That means sometimes we won't have depth in case of an emergency close to the Asia Cup and World Cup. So keep the reason in mind we want to give players a chance,” Hathuru revealed.
Meanwhile, captain Tamim Iqbal’s progress is closely being monitored after he nagged of abdomen pain, a problem that ruled him out of the one-off Test, though the coach said there is an option of opener and captain in case Tamim is unable to play.
Afghanistan is also highly excited having Rashid Khan in the team as the skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed his satisfaction at the presence of the star all-rounder, as he (Hashmatullah) believes that Rashid can make the difference single-handedly.
“Of course, he (Rashid) is a big man for us. When he is with us, as a captain, I feel very confident," said Hashmatullah.
Bangladesh Team: Tamim Iqbal (capt), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Afif Hossain and Naim Sheikh.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Shahidullah, Zia-ur-Rehman, Wafadar Momand, Mohammad Saleem, Sayed Shirzad.
