After a 2-1 series loss in the ODIs, Afghanistan are aiming to make a comeback in the 2-match T20I series starting Friday in Dhaka. The face-offs will make mouth-watering encounters when Bangladesh’s experience collides with the youthful enthusiasm of the Afghans.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat against the team led by Mohammad Nabi. Ahead of the series opener, the hosts suffered a major setback as veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim injured his thumb during practice on Wednesday and was ruled out.
He has remembered Liton Das who was dropped after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign last year. At the same time, the inclusion of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will also benefit the hosts a lot.
Bangladesh will be aiming to turn their fortunes around after a very poor show for them in the recent T20 Internationals. Each of their last eight matches played in this format have ended in defeat.
“We would like to bat first. The wicket is looking very good and hopefully we can score well on the board. We need to prepare well to come into the T20 World Cup. This is a good opportunity to test yourself against Afghanistan here. Two budding players for us,” said Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah.
For the tourists, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Qais Ahmed and skipper Mohammad Nabi will provide a variable spin-option with the ball. A lot will also depend on the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the order.
“We were also looking to bat first. We are trying to build a good team for the World Cup and it is a good preparation for that. We also have two debuts, really happy with our playing XI,” said Nabi at the toss.
Here are the playing XI:
Bangladesh: Liton Das (W), Mohammad Naeem, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah (C), Yasir Ali, Afif Hussain, Munim Shahriar, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rehmanullah Gurbaz (w), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omerzai, Darvesh Rasuli, Karim Janat, Fazlhaq Farooqui, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Qais Ahmed.
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