Afghanistan and Bangladesh are preparing to lock horns in the 2nd T20I of their three-match series on Friday in Sharjah. With Bangladesh leading the series 1-0 after a gritty 4-wicket win in the first T20I, the 2nd match is crucial for Afghanistan, who will be desperate to bounce back and keep the series alive.
The opening match of the series saw a closely-fought encounter, with Bangladesh narrowly managing to chase down a target of 152 with just four wickets to spare. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain set the tone early on, blasting 51 and 54, respectively, to put Bangladesh in the driver's seat. Despite Afghanistan’s spinners trying to claw their way back into the contest, Bangladesh’s ability to handle the pressure in the closing overs was a key takeaway and will give them momentum heading into the second match.
Meanwhile, for Afghanistan, the first T20I was a game of missed opportunities. However, they will be eager to address their batting shortcomings and come out with a more aggressive approach to decimate Bangladesh. The second T20I is a must-win for Afghanistan to remain alive in the series. But for Bangladesh, a win would mean wrapping up the series 2-0.
Head-to-head
Matches - 14
AFG won - 7
BAN won - 7
Afghanistan likely XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharaf Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Fareed Malik
Bangladesh likely XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Parvez Emon Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali (c), Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman