Bangladesh faces crucial second ODI against Afghanistan after first match defeat

Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back in the second ODI against Afghanistan today, hoping to avoid a second consecutive series loss in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). 

The match will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE and is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (Bangladesh time). 

Fans can watch it live on Nagorik TV and T Sports.

The last time Bangladesh faced Afghanistan in an ODI series was in 2023, when they lost 2-1 at home. 

Now, they find themselves trailing 1-0 in the current series after a crushing 92-run defeat in the opening match at the same venue on Wednesday.

In the first ODI, Bangladesh started their chase of a target of 236 strongly, reaching 120-2. 

However, a dramatic collapse followed, with Bangladesh losing eight wickets for just 23 runs, eventually getting bowled out for just 143. The defeat was a big blow to the team.

Adding to Bangladesh‍‍`s troubles, wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to a finger injury he picked up while keeping wickets in the first match. 

There are also concerns that Mushfiqur might miss the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.

On a positive note, Bangladesh has been boosted by the return of left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and fast bowler Nahid Rana, who were unable to travel to the UAE for the first ODI due to visa issues. 

Both players have now joined the squad and will be available for selection in today‍‍`s match.

"We still have a chance to win the series. We lost one game, but there are two more matches to go. We are focused on the next match, which is very important," said all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz during a practice session in Sharjah.

With Mushfiqur unavailable, it looks likely that wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik will make his ODI debut today.

"It‍‍`s very unfortunate that Mushfiqur is injured. We all know how important he is for the team. But this is a great opportunity for Jaker Ali. If he can give his best, it will be great for his career and for the team," Miraz added.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be hoping to build on their strong performance in the first ODI and seal the series with a win today. If they win the second match, they will take an unassailable 2-0 lead with one game to spare.

While Afghanistan‍‍`s batting did have some early struggles in the first match, they were clearly the stronger team overall. 

They will be looking to claim their third straight ODI series win. Interestingly, their last two series victories also came at Sharjah, where they defeated Ireland and South Africa earlier this year.

If Afghanistan wins today, it will mark their second-ever achievement of winning three consecutive ODI series.