Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Preview | Bangladesh Look To Respond After Costly Loss

Bangladesh met Afghanistan in a key Group B game. The stakes are clear. Bangladesh needs points after a setback. Afghanistan wants another strong show to stay on top of the group.

Bangladesh brings senior bowlers and a mix of young batters. They must hold shape in the middle overs. Strike rotation and smart use of pace at the death can keep them in control.

Afghanistan carries form. Their openers start quickly. The spin group can squeeze hard in the middle. If they post a steady total, their bowling unit can defend it in Abu Dhabi.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM IST
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Form Guide

Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka after a good win over Hong Kong. They also beat the Netherlands this month. In July, they took a home T20I series over Pakistan 2–1.

Afghanistan arrived with four wins in their last five matches across the UAE Tri-Series and the Asia Cup opener. They beat the UAE twice and Pakistan once in Sharjah, then crushed Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Their only recent loss came in the tri-series final vs Pakistan.

Last Five Matches

• Bangladesh: L W W L W
• Afghanistan: W L W W W

Both teams show clear patterns. Bangladesh swings between solid and shaky. Afghanistan holds a stronger trend and uses spin pressure well.

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Head-To-Head In The Asia Cup

This rivalry grows fast. Since 2014, they have met five times in the Asia Cup across ODI and T20 events. Afghanistan leads by one win. Bangladesh has two famous results, including a close win in 2018. Afghanistan owns three, including a clear win in 2022.

Asia Cup record: Bangladesh 2 – 3 Afghanistan.

Pitch And Weather

The Abu Dhabi pitch is slow and dry. Pacers may find an early seam, but spinners take control later. Batters need patience before attacking at the death. Evening dew can help chasing teams, as the ball skids and fielding becomes harder. The weather will be hot and dry with clear skies, so no rain threat. A first innings score of 150–160 looks competitive here.

Team News

Both sides need balance across the XI. Bangladesh must steady the top order and keep wickets in hand. Afghanistan looks for early strikes and tight middle overs. Below are full squads.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh needs a calm start from Litton Das. Support from Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy is key. The pace group with Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed must hit hard lengths.

Squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan turned to Rashid Khan for control. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can set the tone. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad add sharp spin threats.

Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq

Key Players To Watch

This match has many names that can shape the result. Some bring power with the bat, others control with the ball. Each of them holds a clear role for the team. Fans in India will follow these players closely.

• Litton Das – Leads Bangladesh with the bat. Quick starter who can score fast in power-play overs.
• Towhid Hridoy – Young middle-order batter. Steady hands who can build innings under pressure.
• Mustafizur Rahman – Senior pace bowler. Known for cutters at the death, dangerous in closing overs.
• Taskin Ahmed – Strikes early with the new ball. Can break strong opening stands.
• Rashid Khan – Afghanistan captain and key spinner. Turns games with wickets in the middle overs.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener. Can set high run rates in the first six overs.

Broadcasting Platforms

Fans in India will not miss this high-stakes clash. Coverage is available both on TV and digital apps, making it easy to follow the action live. Regional commentary options also give viewers a local feel.

• Sony Sports Network (TV)
• SonyLIV (app and website)
• FanCode (digital stream)

Indian viewers can watch the full game with ball-by-ball coverage across these services.

What To Expect

Bangladesh will try to bat deep and keep wickets for a late push. If they reach 160 with a clean finish, their pacers can defend. Fielding must stay sharp near the rope. Afghanistan will press with spin. If Rashid and Mujeeb control 8–10 overs, they can choke the chase. A fast start from Gurbaz or Omarzai can lift them to a winning score. The toss matters. Dew can aid the second innings. Many captains choose to bowl first here.

Conclusion

This is a vital Group B game. Bangladesh seeks control after the last match. Afghanistan wants to keep the momentum. The battle will test skill against spin and nerve at the death. If Bangladesh steady the top and closes well, they stay alive. If Afghanistan hits early and locks the middle, they step toward Super 4. Expect a tight, high-pressure night in Abu Dhabi.