Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
The cricketing world is so proud of Afghanistan, and it’s beautiful to see. A source of respite to their fellow citizens who go through all kinds of things each day, the Afghanistan cricket team have given reason to smile. Their progression in international cricket has been spectacular.
Led by a superb spin attack, they have simply been too good for a team more established than them. Both T20Is have been super one-sided, and if Afghanistan can develop a ruthless mentality in this kind of situation, it will only help progress their development even further.
What can I say about Bangladesh? As a big Bangladesh cricket fan of over 12 years myself, I am concerned for what the future holds for their cricket. Their bowling attack continues to underwhelm, and when facing good spin or seam bowling, their batsmen don’t often seem to have the stomach for the fight. When cricketers burst onto the international scene, they often quickly fade away, and are forgotten.
I will explore Bangladesh’s struggles in a little further detail in a separate piece in the next day or two, but can they at least salvage some pride here? The evidence so far suggests not.
Key to an Afghanistan win
Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have combined for 12/100 off 23 overs, completely dismantling the Bangladesh line up. Only on one occasion has a bowler not taken a wicket in the innings for Afghanistan this series (Mujeeb took 0/15 off 4 overs, going for just 3.75 an over in the 2nd T20I).
The key will be spinners choking Bangladesh once again, in addition to some strong power hitting from the top and middle order.
Afghanistan are on fire!
Key to a Bangladesh win
Predicted teams
Stats and Facts:
- If Afghanistan win this match, all their wins against Test opposition in T20Is would have been clean sweeps (3 v ZIM, 1 v BAN).
- Rashid Khan’s economy rate and bowling average are identical this series (3.57).
- Shakib Al Hasan still needs one wicket to reach the double of 10,000 runs and 500 wickets in international cricket. Shahid Afridi and Jacques Kallis are the others to achieve this feat.
