Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first against Bangladesh in the sixth game of the Asia Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Here is what the captains said:
Mashrafe Mortaza:
“We would have batted first as well. We have made three changes. Tamim Obviously is not here, Mushfiqur and Mustafizz are out too. Two debutants Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto. And another one…er! I have to check. Looks to be a good wicket to bat on and hopefully it will get better. We have to restrict them to a low total and build pressure on them. Our batters have to step up because they are experienced and we have to handle it well.”
Asghar Afghan:
“We will bat first. Samiullah Shenwari is playing today. That’s the only change. I think it will be a good batting track and we are looking at a score around 250.”
Preview:
With both the teams having secured their passage to the next stage with impressive wins over Sri Lanka, the upcoming game could see them rest several key players. No matter who finishes top of their respective groups, the tournament has been scheduled in such a manner that Bangladesh will face India in the first Super Four match on Friday, while Afghanistan will play Pakistan.
But having said that, one cannot deny the fact that both the teams will be keen to enter the Super Four stage on a confident note. Bangladesh and Afghanistan faced little trouble in beating Sri Lanka but the way ahead is very tough. And a good win in the upcoming game might just give them the kickstart for the remainder of the tournament.
Playing elevens:
Afghanistan:
Mohammad Shahzad(w), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan(c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh:
Liton Das(w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Abu Hider Rony, Rubel Hossain, TBC