Bangladesh v Afghanistan: Tigers aiming to avoid clean sweep

Despite their initial intention to win the series, the hosts find themselves on the verge of a clean sweep against Afghanistan, with one match remaining.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in the final match of the series, determined to avoid a clean sweep.

In the first match, Bangladesh suffered a 17-run loss under the DL Method. In the second match, they struggled to chase Afghanistan‍‍`s formidable total of 331 runs, failing to prove their mettle against Afghanistan‍‍`s quality bowling attack featuring Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Assistant coach Nic Pothas drew comparisons between Rashid, Mujeeb, and former cricket stars Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne, emphasizing the challenge they pose to the Bangladeshi batters.

From young Towhid Hridoy to veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, the entire lineup has struggled against Afghanistan‍‍`s spin attack.

“They have been playing cricket around the world,” Nic said on Monday. “It’s a like a dream for any captain to have them in the team. If they get the ball they can do something for the team.”

Avoiding a clean sweep has become the primary challenge for Bangladesh, as Afghanistan has never achieved this feat against them in ODIs.

The Bangladesh team must approach the last ODI with caution and focus to secure a victory. However, Pothas believes the team‍‍`s professional players do not require any additional effort.

“I don’t think we have to do anything extra. We are talking about professional cricketers. They are ready (to do their job),” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamid Hasan, the bowling coach of Afghanistan, expressed confidence in their team‍‍`s performance so far, highlighting Fazalhaq Farooqi‍‍`s bowling as a key factor in their dominance.

He also said that the bowling attack will play a vital role in Afghanistan’s success in the World Cup, which is scheduled later this year in India.

Following the ODI series, both teams will clash in a three-match T20I series in Sylhet, with matches scheduled for July 11th, 14th, and 16th at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.