The Litton Das-led team began their campaign brightly with a commanding victory over Hong Kong, but their momentum was halted with a heavy loss to Sri Lanka, leaving them third on the points table.
With Afghanistan (net run rate 4.700) comfortably leading the group and Sri Lanka (2.595) in second place, Bangladesh (-0.650) must win their final game to remain in contention for the Super Four stage.
Batting concerns continue to plague the Tigers. Against Sri Lanka, the top order collapsed, with only Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain offering resistance, stitching together an unbeaten 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Once again, skipper Litton Das, who struck a half-century against Hong Kong, will be expected to anchor the innings at the top.
Bangladesh’s batsmen will have to negotiate Afghanistan’s formidable spin arsenal, featuring captain Rashid Khan, experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, and the promising AM Ghazanfar. This spin quartet is well-suited to the conditions and poses a significant threat to any batting line-up.
Afghanistan arrive in Dubai full of confidence, bolstered by a recent victory over Pakistan and wins against UAE in the tri-series. They also started the Asia Cup on a strong note with a 94-run win over Hong Kong. Their balanced side combines destructive batting with disciplined bowling, allowing them to rotate players without losing momentum — a fact demonstrated when they rested half their squad in a dead-rubber match against UAE and still emerged victorious.
Probable XIs
Bangladesh: Litton Das (C, WK), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh will need a collective batting effort and careful handling of Afghanistan’s spinners if they are to keep their Asia Cup hopes alive.
