Date & Venue: September 15, 2025 – Abu Dhabi
Time: 7:30 PM local time
Format: Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, Group B
Big Picture
Afghanistan enter this clash on a high after a dominant opening win against Hong Kong. Another victory here would put them clear at the top of Group B. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are still looking for momentum after a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka and must bounce back quickly to stay in contention.
Afghanistan’s batting and bowling both clicked in their first match, highlighted by Azmatullah Omarzai’s blistering knock and Sediqullah Atal’s anchoring innings. Their spinners, led by Rashid Khan, kept Hong Kong batters under control.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, struggled from the start against Sri Lanka, losing early wickets and never really recovering despite a late fightback from Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali. Their bowling attack also looked below par, and they will need to regroup fast.
Key Players to Watch
- Afghanistan – Azmatullah Omarzai: Explosive allrounder who smashed Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty in the opener. Also a useful bowler in middle overs.
- Afghanistan – Rashid Khan: Captain and lead spinner, always a threat in UAE conditions.
- Bangladesh – Shamim Hossain: Played a fighting knock against Sri Lanka and will be key to stabilising the middle order.
- Bangladesh – Taskin Ahmed: Likely to return to the XI to provide early breakthroughs.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch & Conditions
Abu Dhabi pitches have rewarded positive batting but also offered some assistance to spinners. Hot conditions are expected, which could make dew a factor later in the evening.
Form Guide (last five matches)
- Afghanistan: W L W W W
- Bangladesh: L W W L W
What’s at Stake
A win for Afghanistan would strengthen their hold at the top of Group B. For Bangladesh, it’s a must-win to revive their Asia Cup campaign and keep hopes of a semi-final berth alive.
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