A test of nerve for Bangladesh against Afghanistan today
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh couldnt afford to be relaxed albeit they sealed the super four spot even before their match against Afghanistan, an opponent against whom they have some issues and bitter memories.
As they take on Afghanistan today at the Abu Dhabi at 5.30 pm BST, effectively a dead rubber, following the Afghans historical victory over Sri Lanka, a revenge issue will come to the fore. Although Bangladesh team considers it just another match, the humiliating 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Afghans in a T20 series three months back still remains fresh and haunts. And Bangladesh were never a quite force against Afghanistan even in ODI clashes.
They have won three matches and loses two in five ODI encounters between them. In T20 matches, Afghanistan however have the edge as they beat Bangladesh three matches, contrary to loss one in four games. If stat matters, no one has clear edge, going into the match today.
Both the team however beat Sri Lanka quite comfortably to seal the super four spot. Sealing a super four spot is completely new for Afghanistan and was more than a dream for them while for Bangladesh, it is nothing new. Two time runners-up in this tournament, Bangladesh indeed eye to seal maiden multi-national title and they will get an idea how strong they are psychologically when they take on Afghanistan today.
On paper, Bangladesh are slightly favourite to win the match but game against Afghanistan will be a test of nerve also because of the past history. A win against Afghanistan wont be appreciated much like the win against Sri Lanka but defeat certainly will create a huge uproar in the country. So here comes psychological and nerve matter.
But one thing is sure, the match is going to be the battle between the spin arsenals of both teams. While Afghanistan got a gifted spin attack, boasted with super talented Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, Bangladesh are slightly behind in this aspect because of the fitness concern of Shakib Al Hasan. Mehidy Hasan Miraj bowled well in the match against Sri Lanka but proper support is needed. In pace front Bangladesh are well ahead with the likes of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain found UAE pitch to their likings because of its slow nature.
But how a Tamim-less Bangladesh could deal with Afghan spin-threat is a thing to watch. Mushfiqur Rahim played an innings of his life in the match against Sri Lanka to script a 137-run victory but he played through the injury which could prompt team management to rest him in the dead rubber. As there is also injury concern for Shakib, Bangladeshs headache is now to how they would make a combination.
While Nazmul Hossain Shanto is almost sure to make his debut, Mominul Haques comeback in ODI set-up after three years looked certain also, so as Ariful Haque if both Mushfiqur and Shakib are unavailable.
If Bangladesh could neutralize the threat of Rashid and co, the game is for Bangladesh for sure because Afghans batting line up is not such strong on paper.
