Match Prediction, Asia Cup 2018, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
Afghanistan and Bangladesh won their respective games. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

After registering comprehensive victories in their opening games of the ongoing Asia Cup 2018 campaign against Sri Lanka, both Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be fully prepared for their clash on September 20 (Thursday). We’ve lined-up the match prediction for the impending Abu Dhabi clash.

Both teams played a terrific brand of cricket against depleted-looking Sri Lanka. Afghanistan, in particular, has proved that they are no pushovers in the tournament and can challenge any top-class teams.

It will be more of a preparation for the Super four stage for both the teams as both of them have already qualified for the next stage of the tournament.

The only worry for Bangladesh will be the absence of Tamim Iqbal, who was ruled out of the tournament after fracturing his left wrist during the opening game of the tournament.

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However, their middle order proved that they can even make a comeback after a poor start. Bangladesh were effectively one for two in the quick succession.

However, it was a great knock by Mushfiqur Rahim who eventually helped Bangladesh post a competitive total of 261 runs in their allotted 50 overs.

Mohammad Mithun equally supported Rahim. The batter in the form of Mithun also chipped in with a useful knock. Veteran fast bowler and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was quite exceptional and bowled in the perfect areas during the match against Sri Lanka.

Asia Cup 2018, Afghanistan, Bangladesh
Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2018. (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

Afghanistan and Bangladesh have some exceptional players in their ranks 

Bangladesh has a very balanced side. They have the ability to beat any team on their day. However, they must be consistent enough in the tournament to harbour hopes of lifting their maiden and coveted Asia Cup title.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has a very good team and are capable of challenging any top class team on their day.

The team is loaded with top-class spinners, none better than the  20-year-old Rashid Khan. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also bowled quite brilliantly against Sri Lanka. The bowling unit will look to continue their impressive run of form.

Asghar Afghan returned to the pavilion without scoring in the first match. The skipper will look to get among runs. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shahzad also got off to a great start and smashed the Lankan bowlers all around the park.

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Both teams might look to rest quite a few players for Afghanistan clash, especially after the Super 4’s schedule, were already announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Rahim is likely going to miss Thursday’s game.

Bangladesh will also bring in Nazmul Islam as a forced change for injured Iqbal. On the other hand, Afghanistan might look to rest some of the top order batters. However, there is no indication from both the teams that who all will be rested.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2018
Rashid Khan will be an important feature for Afghanistan in the match against Bangladesh. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Teams:

Bangladesh (From): Liton Das(w), Mohammad Mithun, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto

Afghanistan (From): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan(c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Javed Ahmadi, Samiullah Shenwari, Munir Ahmad, Sayed Shirzad, Sharafuddin Ashraf

Match Prediction:

 Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2018,
Delighted Bangladesh players. (Photo credit should read ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)

Both teams eventually won their opening match against Sri Lanka. It has booked their place in the Super 4’s of the competition. Both Bangladesh and Afghanistan have some quality players in their ranks.

However, I have a gut feeling that Afghanistan will come out triumphant. Bangladesh despite being a more experienced side might crumble in front of their world-class spinners. Hence I will go with Afghanistan to win today’s clash owing to the match prediction of the sixth Asia Cup 2018 fixture.

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A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.