The much-anticipated Bangladesh vs Afghanistan cricket series in 2023 will have a thrilling Test match, which will start on Wednesday (June 14, 2023), and end on Sunday (June 18, 2023). The match will be held at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. With a scheduled start time of 10:00 AM local time, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the fascinating encounter between Bangladesh and Afghanistan teams.
Head-to-head Test records: Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan
Bangladesh and Afghanistan played only one Test previously. On September 5, 2019, Bangladesh faced Afghanistan in a Test match, resulting in a defeat for Bangladesh by a margin of 224 runs. In terms of Test statistics, Afghanistan currently holds the advantage over Bangladesh. Afghanistan arrived, they fought with determination and emerged victorious.
Despite being the same Bangladesh team that triumphed over some of the top Test-playing nations on their home ground, Afghanistan showed its strength. Renowned for their remarkable progress in cricket, Afghans have written a new chapter in the history books, demonstrating their talent.
Afghanistan scored 342 & 260 runs, and Bangladesh scored 205 & 173 runs. Rahmat Shah scored 102 runs in the first innings, which was the biggest score in that match. However, Rashid Khan was the man who defeated Bangladesh alone, as he took 11 wickets in total.
Overview of Bangladesh and Afghanistan Test Squads
Bangladesh Test Squad Against Afghanistan
Litton Das will lead Bangladesh team for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. Bangladesh Cricket Board has selected two new players for the team, Shahadat Hossain and Musfik Hasan. However, the Tigers will boost their strength with regular players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and more. But Shahadat Hossain and Musfik Hasan can play a key role if they are included in the starting squad.
Shahadat usually plays as a middle-order batsman. He has displayed an impressive performance by scoring two half-centuries in two unofficial Test matches against West Indies A.
Musfik, a promising fast bowler, got attention with a remarkable performance in the 2022-23 National Cricket League. He displayed his talent by claiming an impressive tally of 25 wickets throughout the season, maintaining a remarkable average of 15.92. One of his notable highlights was his exceptional display against Dhaka Division, where he took 8 wickets for 73 runs.
Further, Taskin Ahmed will also boost Bangladesh’s bowling side. He was previously left out of the squad for the Ireland Test due to a side strain but has made a comeback and has been included in the team. Furthermore, Zakir Hasan, who missed the Ireland Test in April, has also been included in the squad.
Bangladesh will not get Shakib Al Hasan in the Test as he is recovering from a finger injury. So, this can be a weakness for the Bangladesh team.
Afghanistan Test Squad Against Bangladesh
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been named the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team for the upcoming Test match. The Afghanistan cricket team’s 15-man squad has been boosted by the inclusion of fast bowling duo Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai and Nijat Masoud, along with the young leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naweed.
Additionally, Karim Janat, who was impressed with his exceptional all-round performance in the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament, has received his first call-up to the national team. The team management has recognized his talent and potential, affording him an opportunity to shine at the highest level.
But, Afghanistan will not get their star player Rashid Khan due to injury. Apart from Rashid, some of the experienced players will also miss the Test, such as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Nabi, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Missing out these players can be a weakness for Afghans.
BAN vs AFG Test 2023: Key Players
Potential Players of Bangladesh Team
The Bangladesh team will heavily rely on a few key players, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, in the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan.
Shanto, with his experience of 22 Test matches, has shown glimpses of brilliance, including a memorable innings of 163 runs against Sri Lanka. Despite a relatively quiet performance in the last Test against Ireland, his recent form suggests he has a great opportunity to showcase his skills against Afghanistan.
Mushfiqur Rahim, currently in excellent form, played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s recent victory over Ireland. He scored a rapid half-century and emerged as the highest run-scorer for the home team.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, known for his all-around abilities, has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball. Despite scoring 55 runs and taking only 2 wickets in the last match against Ireland, Miraz’s batting skills have been commendable throughout his career. Accumulating 1197 runs in 38 matches, including a highest score of 103, he has proven his ability to convert starts into significant innings.
Key Players of Afghanistan Team
Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, and Amir Hamza Hotak can play a vital role for Afghanistan in the upcoming Test.
Rahmat Shah, with an appearance in all six Test matches for Afghanistan, has displayed excellent performances and impressive statistics. Accumulating 385 runs in 12 innings, with a highest score of 102, he has shown his ability to excel under pressure.
Ibrahim Zadran, a standout player in Afghans Test cricket, has shown exceptional skills. With 356 runs in four matches and eight innings, including a highest score of 87, he has proven his ability to dominate opposing bowling attacks.
Amir Hamza Hotak, a skilled left-arm spinner, has made significant contributions to Afghanistan’s Test team. Though he has played only three matches, his 16 wickets in six innings demonstrate his ability to destroy opposition batting line-ups.
Who is Favorite to Win the Test Match?
Bangladesh is the favorite in the Test match. Tigers have the advantage of playing on their home ground in Mirpur, where they previously lost a Test match against Afghanistan in 2019. They will be eager to balance the head-to-head record this time.
Despite the absence of their iconic player, Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh has key players such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, who has shown good form in recent matches. Shanto has the potential to perform well, having scored a remarkable 163 runs against Sri Lanka in 2021.
Mushfiqur and Miraz have also demonstrated their capabilities with the bat and ball, respectively. Taskin Ahmed, though less experienced in Tests, is expected to make an impact with his bowling.
Final Words
Considering the unpredictable nature of cricket and the strengths of both teams, it is challenging to make a definitive prediction for the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test match in 2023. However, Bangladesh will likely aim to take revenge after its previous loss, while Afghanistan will seek to replicate its success. It will ultimately come down to the performance of the players and their ability to adapt to the conditions.
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