Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – Tri-Nation Series Final Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan taking place? Tuesday, September 24th (13:30 UK time)
Where is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan taking place? Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
What is the expected weather for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan? 31c with a chance of rain which may affect play
What channel is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Bangladesh vs Afghanistan? Users of Betfair can stream the match live
Where can I get tickets for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan? Tickets for this match can be purchased directly from the stadium
LAST MEETING
Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 4 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh picked up a morale-boosting win in the dead rubber match against Afghanistan last time out as they won by four wickets to top the group ahead of this rematch with the Afghans in the final.
- There have been some positive signs of their more experienced players finding some form with Shakib Al Hasan playing a matchwinning innings last time out and Mahmudullah leading the way in runs for them so far this tournament as they are improving with every game.
- They may be tempted to add another frontline bowler for this match given they have been relying heavily on their allrounders although Afif Hossain’s 2/9 from three overs in the last match against Afghanistan may just convince them to go unchanged.
AFGHANISTAN
- After starting this tri-nation series with all guns blazing, Afghanistan have lost their last two matches and their form has dipped so they will be desperate to bounce back and show they can raise their game when it matters in a final.
- They have a major doubt over star man Rashid Khan coming into this match with a hamstring problem though it is expected that he will push himself to play even if it means that he is included purely for his bowling.
- Sharafuddin Ashraf is on standby to replace their captain if he is deemed unfit for this match with his left-arm spin and big-hitting with the bat, although he has hardly featured for some time and bringing him in for the final and asking him to perform well would be a big ask.
THE PREDICTION
There is plenty on the line between these two teams to fight it out for supremacy having clearly been a class above the struggling Zimbabweans in this tri-nation series. Bangladesh have the edge in form and momentum coming into this game and they will be determined on home turf to prove they are the better team. Afghanistan will be motivated to upset them however but they will desperately need Rashid Khan to be fit and play. He is unlikely to be 100% fit even if he does play and given his importance to the team, that could well be the deciding factor that swings this in Bangladesh’s favour, coupled with Shakib Al Hasan’s improving form.
