Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Prediction: Afghanistan has done the unthinkable and has won its first ODI series in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are going head to head against each other at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet, Bangladesh on 14th July. Afghanistan has done the unthinkable and has won its first ODI series in Bangladesh. Will they continue their domination in the T20 series too? Who will win this game?

Bangladesh

The performance of the Bangladesh team in the ODI series has left their fans disappointed, as they suffered an uncommon series loss on home soil. Despite this, they managed to secure a consolation victory in the last match, giving them hope of gaining an early advantage in the upcoming tournament.

Taking charge of the team for this tournament is Shakib Al-Hasan, who aims to infuse positive energy into the squad. As the top-ranked all-rounder in T20 cricket according to the latest ICC rankings, his contribution will be crucial in shaping the team's performance.

Although veterans Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim are absent from the squad, the hosts possess a strong batting lineup. Litton Das and Rony Talukdar are expected to open the innings, while Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Afif Hossain will anchor the middle order.

In the pace bowling department, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain are likely to feature, while the spin bowling responsibilities will be entrusted to all-rounders Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Bangladesh Predicted Lineup

Rony Talukdar, Litton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan

Following their remarkable victory in the only Test match against Bangladesh, Afghanistan defied expectations by winning the first two games of the ODI series, securing their first-ever series win on Bangladeshi soil. The team will aim to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming match.

Rashid Khan will assume the captaincy, taking over from Hashmatullah Shahidi. The opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who performed exceptionally well in the ODIs, is expected to remain unchanged. The squad also includes batsmen Najibullah Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and Hazaratullah Zazai.

All-rounder Karim Janat has earned a spot in the T20 squad and will join the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Nijat Masood. Afghanistan's spin attack will be one of their major strengths, boasting quality bowlers such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmed.

The participation of Afghanistan's key seamer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, is yet to be confirmed. However, alternatives like Wafadar Mohmand and Fareed Malik are capable replacements in his absence.

Afghanistan Predicted Lineup

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad

Expert betting tips

The Sylhet International Stadium offers a favourable batting surface for the teams. With an average first-inning score of approximately 160, the pitch presents an opportunity for batsmen to accumulate runs. While the quicker bowlers may initially benefit from some movement, the surface tends to become more conducive to batting as the match unfolds. Spinners, on the other hand, will have the advantage of exploiting rough patches on the pitch. However, the weather forecast for the day indicates a high probability of rain, which could potentially cause interruptions to the match. We expect Bangladesh to win the game.