Bangladesh face do-or-die Afghanistan test: must win big to keep final hopes alive on net run rate
Call it a do-or-die battle or an unofficial final — Bangladesh face a tough test against Afghanistan today. To keep their final hopes alive, the Tigers have no alternative to victory. But victory alone will not be enough; they must also meet a difficult net run-rate equation to reach the final.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan meet today (October 21) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match starts at 5:30pm Bangladesh time.
After a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe in the first match, Tawhid Hridoy's side now face the challenge of bouncing back. The task, however, is far from easy.
To keep the road to the final open, Bangladesh must win by at least 41 runs if they bat first. If they chase, they must pass a 250-run target within 41.3 overs. In other words, alongside securing victory, the Tigers must keep the run-rate calculation in mind.
Ahead of such an important match, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is putting team performance ahead of individual brilliance. In his view, the team can move towards success only by being consistent as a unit.
Tanzid said, “We always try to give our best to the team. But the more consistent we can be as a team, rather than as individuals, the faster we can move forward.”
Changes are also possible in Bangladesh's XI for this crucial match. Out-of-form Soumya Sarkar could be replaced at the opening spot by Parvez Hossain Emon, flown in from home, alongside Tanzid Hasan Tamim.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Saif Hasan could bat at three and four. With that likely batting order, Bangladesh will have to plan how to handle the run-rate pressure.
In Litton Das's absence, Tawhid Hridoy will lead the side. If Mehidy Hasan Miraz is not fit, team management may rely on Mosaddek Hossain Saikat. Nurul Hasan Sohan could keep wicket.
Changes may also come in the bowling department. Aliss Al Islam could come into the XI as a surprise in place of Rishad Hossain. Hasan Mahmud could also be played by resting one of the three pacers in the pace attack.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, are high on confidence after beating Zimbabwe by a huge 158-run margin. That big win also puts them ahead on net run rate, so even a loss to Bangladesh would leave them with a chance of reaching the final.
That contrast makes the match even more pressurised for Bangladesh — Afghanistan can play comparatively freely, while Bangladesh must win by a specific margin or inside a specific number of overs. The toss, the XI and the pace of the first innings in Sharjah this evening will show whether the run-rate equation stays in Bangladesh's favour.
