Bangladesh got swept away by Test Rookie Rashid Khan inspired Afghanistan in the only test played between the teams. Yet in changed circumstances with Bangladesh having much more exposure to red ball cricket against stronger sides and visitors resting few main players like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Farooqui stars favorite in the test starting tomorrow.
Bangladesh is also without their world’s top all rounder Shakib Al Hasan. The star opener Tamim Iqbal is not also 100% match fit. Afghan team has some freshers. Hence, greater experience and home condition may better suit home team. But against a team of unknown quality, one must not make concluding remarks. Rather we should expect a sea saw battle of nerves. With the commencement of monsoon it is uncertain how much weather will interfere. Hope the better team holding their nerves win. The test starts tomorrow 14 June at Sher e Bangla National Cricket stadium.
Squads
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Nijat Masood, Yamin Ahmadzai, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Izharullah Haq Naveed, Hamza Kotak, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Abdul Malik, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Ikram Alikhel, Afsar Zazai, Baheer Shah Mahboob
Bangladesh: Litton Das (c & wk), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Zakir Hasan (wk), Tamim Iqbal, Taijul Islam, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Musfik Hasan, Shoriful Islam.
As mentioned above the two teams met only once in test at Chattogaram when Bangladesh was heavily beaten on a spinning track. But Bangladesh with greater test experience and stronger unit even without Shakib is much more confident. Bangladesh played their last tests against Ireland in April. Shakib will be missing the test for finger injury, but Taskin will be back in action. Bangladesh squad includes two freshers Shahadat Hossain and Mushfik Hasan. SBNCS wicket traditionally assist spin. We are not sure with monsoon round the corner whether it will be possible for curator to change the character of the surface significantly. Bangladesh now possess a great pace attack . On the other hand, world class Afghan spinners are missing from the squad. Bangladesh may still go with three pacers and two spinners.
Litton Das will lead the team in absence of Shakib. His only worry is about fitness of star opener Tamim suffering from back strain. Bangladesh top order Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Shanto, Mushfique are in prolific form. Mominul Haq should come true to himself. Middle and late order with Mahmud Hasan Joy and Mehedi Hasan are expected to perform. But much will depend on Mushfique, Litton and Shanto as batting will make lot of difference. Bangladesh will require scoring at least 400 runs to let its bowlers challenging Afghans. Taskin, Ebadat will spearhead Bangladesh attack with Meraj and Taijul trapping Afghans if the wicket turns. But Bangladesh must not be complacent. Afghans are hard nut to crack. They will not go down without fight and have lot of reasons to surprise.
Afghanistan had a brilliant first match against Sri Lanka in their three matches ODI series. But Sri Lankans bounced back and overwhelmed them in the remaining two matches winning the series 2-1. Their only test win by 224 runs against Bangladesh is an event of the past. Their hero the best leg spinner of the present-day cricket Rashid Khan has been rested for keeping him fit for much-demanding white ball cricket. The squad also do not have Mujeeb Ur Rahman or Mohammad Nabi. Even talented pacer Fazal Haq Farooqi is also not there. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the test team for the first time. The squad has few names which are not much familiar in international cricket. Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Jannat are three who have exposure to international cricket. Who knows whether some youngsters may grab the opportunity and may surprise. Izhaulhaq Naveed and Ibrahim Abdulahimzai are expected to perform.
The five-day test is always a matter of nerve. The team has to play consistently well over 15 sessions of five days to prevail. Patience is the key. Hope the better team wins and Bangladesh turns out the better of the two.
BDST: 1151 HRS, JUNE 13, 2023
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