ODI Bangladesh’s ‘favorite’ version, it goes without saying. The record of Bangladesh on the soil of the country also says so. In the last 6 years, Bangladesh has lost only two bilateral series on its own soil, that too in 2016.
With captains Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mostafizur Rahman, the team will not be easy for Afghanistan. But Afghanistan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi says they are not thinking about the opposition. In the three-match ODI series starting tomorrow in Chittagong, they are looking at their own strength. Apart from that, Hasmatullah does not consider any Bangladeshi player as a threat.
Bangladesh has played only one bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan so far. In 2016, the hosts won the series 2-1.
Rashid Khan, Mujib Ur Rehman with Mohammad Nabi’s spin threat will be Bangladesh?
Rashid Khan, Mujib Ur Rehman with Mohammad Nabi’s spin threat will be Bangladesh?Photo: Shamsul Haque
However, in the last Test in 2019, Afghanistan lost to Bangladesh in Chittagong. Hasmatullah could not do much in the crowd of Rahmat Shah’s century, Rashid Khan’s great all-round performance (11 wickets and 75 runs). He told a news conference before the match that he had fond memories of the victory. I want to start tomorrow from there. ‘
Hasmatullah is not thinking about the strength of Bangladesh, ‘Our strength is about our players. Our team is good considering each category. I am confident. I hope I can give my best. ‘
The visit to Afghanistan came quite early. They also came to Bangladesh and did a preparation camp in Sylhet. Some have played in BPL. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbajra came from PSL. Nabi, Mujib’s spin-trio is in discussion with Rashid. Hasmatullah also reminded them of their strength, ‘Our spin attack is good. Spinners do very well in Bangladesh wickets. I am confident, I hope it will be good for us.
Afghanistan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi at a press conference before the first ODI in Chittagong
Afghanistan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi at a press conference before the first ODI in ChittagongPhoto: Shamsul Haque
Afghanistan also has a good analysis of the Bangladesh team. Asked who will be the main player of Bangladesh, he said, “Honestly, we are thinking about the whole team. I have planned with everyone. We know their strengths and weaknesses.
Former Bangladesh head coach Stuart Law has taken charge of Afghanistan before this series. Hasmatullah thinks that the law of Bangladesh can help him extra.