Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Ban T20 Tri-Series Final: BAN v AFG Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction. Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20 Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction

When it comes to international cricket’s fledgling rivalries, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan is one to keep an eye on. With a number of closely fought ODI battles, Afghanistan’s Test win on Bangladesh soil, followed closely by Bangladesh’s T20I fightback, the stage is set for an interesting Tri-Series Final.

In the end, the two sides expected to reach the Final did so. Zimbabwe disappointed until their final match, where Hamilton Masakadza had the perfect farewell. However, what might not have been expected was Bangladesh topping the table considering their mostly barren run in T20Is over the past few years, in contrast to Afghanistan who had entered this series with 10 straight wins under their belt. Shakib Al Hasan delivered the goods in the pre-Final rehearsal a few nights ago, as Rashid Khan, worryingly, is in doubt due to a hamstring injury picked up in the same game.

Also read: Will Rohit Sharma succeed as a Test opener?

Key to a Bangladesh win

Despite three wins in four matches, Bangladesh aren’t without their issues. The lack of input from their openers is an area for concern, as is the ill-discipline on show from experienced players. Shakib, after a poor first three games, hit form with a fine knock last time out. He has to deliver again. Indeed, if he can walk in after a solid opening stand this time around, he and Bangladesh’s middle order can be tasked with finishing well rather than rebuilding. Can Liton Das in particular convert attractive play to a substantial score?

However, what will be really pleasing for Bangladesh is how their bowlers have fared in the past two games. After Afghanistan’s openers set a strong platform last time out, Bangladesh combined as a unit to stifle the progress of the dangerous Afghan middle order. The form of Mustafizur Rahman is a key area of focus, but if the likes of Mohammad Saifuddin and Shafiul Islam continue their good form, both the Fizz and spinners can create wicket-taking opportunities.

Key to an Afghanistan win

It has been a tournament of two halves for Afghanistan when it comes to their batting. The first two games saw them lose early wickets, with the middle order left with a recovery job. To paint a picture, Afghanistan were 19/3 in their first meeting against Bangladesh. They finished with 164/6. In their second meeting, they fell from 75/0 to 138/7.

After two games, the trio of Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi had 250 runs between them off 162 balls. The next two games? Just 27. Such a fall has hurt Afghanistan after openers Rahmanullah and Hazratullah have put on an 83 and 75 run-stand in the past two games respectively. Can the Afghans get things right across all stages of the innings this time?

Also, with Rashid Khan set to be hampered with injury if he does take the field, much rests on Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman in the spin department. However, the seamers have a crucial role in building pressure, which can reap rewards as the Bangladeshi batsmen are prone to poor shot selection. Can the likes of Naveen-ul-Haq, Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib deliver the goods?

Possible Playing 11

The form of Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Sabbir Rahman is a concern for Bangladesh. However, the Tigers might guard against too many changes for a Final.

Bangladesh: 1. Liton Das, 2. Najmul Hossain Shanto, 3. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Sabbir Rahman, 7. Afif Hossain, 8. Mosaddek Hossain, 9. Mohammad Saifuddin, 10. Shafiul Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan will be sweating on the fitness of Rashid Khan. He was still able to bowl last game with his injury, but went the distance by Shakib in a crucial over in the run chase.

Afghanistan: 1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2. Hazratullah Zazai, 3. Asghar Afghan, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Gulbadin Naib, 7. Shafiqullah, 8. Rashid Khan (c), 9. Karim Janat, 10. Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Pitch and Conditions

The Final will be held in Mirpur after the second half of the league stage was played in Chittagong. Teams batting first won two of three matches at SBNS this series. There is a good chance of rain in the evening in Dhaka.

Stats and Facts

• After 12 straight T20I victories, Afghanistan have now lost two matches in a row.
• Bangladesh’s win in the last T20I was just their second against Afghanistan in six meetings against them.
• Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran have scored just 27 runs between them in the last two T20Is. The corresponding figure from the first two T20Is was 250.
• Bangladesh only won their first multi-team tournament earlier this year, after beating West Indies in the Ireland Tri-Series Final before the World Cup.

Fantasy Cricket Prediction

MyTeam11 (regular) Prediction: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mohammad Nabi (vc), Mosaddek Hossain, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

An interesting match that could depend on the availability of Rashid Khan. Bangladesh have some momentum from their last match that could hold them in good stead for the Final. Bangladesh to win, just.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Will Rohit Sharma succeed as a Test opener?