Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, T20I Tri-Series Final, Mirpur: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

The finalists for the Bangladesh T20 Tri-Series had been decided when Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in the fourth league match. Afghanistan then lost to both Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. This will provide the hosts with much-needed impetus as will take field to avenge the defeat in the Test match earlier this month, at the same ground – ZACS, Chattogram.

With 4-0-24-1 and a 45-ball 70 not out, Shakib Al Hasan was back to his pomp to guide Bangladesh to a win in the last league match, against Afghanistan. The top looks frail in Tamim Iqbal’s absence, but Bangladesh bat deep – Mosaddek Hossain bats at eight and Mohammad Saifuddin at nine – which means that they can sustain their assault throughout twenty overs.

The bowling, led by Saifuddin, Shakib, and Mustafizur Rahman, has improved with every match. The youngsters – Taijul Islam, Aminul Islam Jr, Shafiul Islam, Afif Hossain – have stepped up at various points of time as well. They will need an all-round performance to beat the strong Afghans.

Afghanistan might have lost both their matches at Mirpur, but they are still unbeaten at Chattogram on this tour. Their core – Rashid Khan, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman – has delivered at some point or the other, and they have unearthed a rare talent in Rahmanullah Gurbaz as replacement for the redoubtable Mohammad Shahzad.

The two defeats might have set Afghanistan back somewhat, but they have shown enough mettle over the past couple of years, especially in Asia. Bangladesh may be a slightly stronger side; they will also play at home; but a rampant Afghan side has often proved more than a handful.

Head to head

The teams have played 6 times, of which Bangladesh have won the first and the most recent one (the sixth league match) and lost the other 4.

Key players

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Over years, Bangladesh’s successes have been too intangibly connected with Shakib. Even here he has struck at 137 and conceded 7.43 an over. He will be keen on avenging the humiliation of the Test defeat.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan): Mujeeb has taken 15-0-91-7 despite Afghanistan losing two of their four matches. A lot of the outcome of the final will depend on how efficiently he pegs down Bangladesh’s top order in the Powerplay overs.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Liton Das, Najmul Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shafiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Prediction

Bangladesh to lift the trophy.