Photo: Firoz Ahmed
A lack of experience in the longest format of the game and the absence of some of their regular cricketers saw Afghanistan succumb to a massive 546-run defeat against Bangladesh in the lone Test in Mirpur last month.
But as the format shifts to white-ball cricket and players like superstar Rashid Khan and the experienced Mohammad Nabi return to the side after missing the Test match, the visitors have emerged as a strong unit for the three-match ODI series starting today in Chattogram.
Although Bangladesh have been consistent in the 50-over format and could be labelled favourites after beating Afghanistan in four of their last five ODIs, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side are capable of testing the hosts.
When asked if he thought Bangladesh were favourites, the 31-year-old replied: “Afghanistan are also here to play cricket and win”. He certainly meant what he said, reflecting the confidence gained from winning twelve of their 18 games over the past two years.
He added: “It’s not about them. Yes, of course, they have played good cricket but we are also here to play good cricket. We have also done well over the past two years.”
The obvious threat remains the world-class Rashid, who has proven to be a game-changer against the Tigers in their den by picking up twelve wickets in six games at an economy of 3.87.
Nabi also brings loads of experience both with bat and ball and is another cricketer in the Afghan camp who could turn things around. He also bagged twelve wickets in 10 games in Bangladesh at a miserly economy of 3.70 while his batting credentials will surely attract a lot of attention.
On the other hand, mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been quite toothless against the Tigers, managing to scalp just one wicket from the three games he has played against Bangladesh so far.
The Afghans included five new faces, including young uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who has already made his mark in franchise cricket leagues. Uncapped left-arm spinner Zia Akbar can prove to another surprise element for the visitors.
While Bangladesh are aware of the spin threat, Shahidi did not forget to remind what he has in his pace arsenal, led by left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai alongside a bunch of uncapped pacers raring to make an impact.
“The good thing is we had good spinners. But now we have good seamers like Fazal and Azmat, who are doing well. We also brought the new guy Wafadar Momand who has good pace and also Saleem Safi. He also has good pace and it definitely gives us an advantage. Alongside good spinners, we also have good pacers as well,” he said.
Batting-wise, Rahmanullah Gurbaz can be devastating on his day while the likes of Rahmat Shah, Nabi, Shahidi and Najibullah Zadran have the ability to spoil the Tigers’ party.
