The Bangladesh cricket team has departed for the UAE to participate in a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, marking their first ODI matches since March. This series is viewed as a vital preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. The team, having demonstrated mixed results recently, aims to leverage its favorable historical record against Afghanistan during the matches scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11.
On November 2, 2024, the Bangladesh cricket team departed from Dhaka en route to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to compete in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. This group comprised players such as Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik, Towhid Hriody, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, none of whom participated in the recently concluded Test series against South Africa. The remaining members of the Test squad are scheduled to depart the following day, Sunday. The upcoming series against Afghanistan, set to take place at a neutral venue in the UAE, is being viewed as a preparatory platform for the ICC Champions Trophy slated for next year. This will mark Bangladesh’s first ODI series since their match against Sri Lanka in March, during which the team has exclusively focused on T20 and Test formats since. The team’s performance in the T20 arena had been disappointing, yet they did achieve a historic Test series victory against Pakistan. Nevertheless, their recent outings included unsatisfactory defeats against both India and South Africa. Historically, Bangladesh holds a favorable head-to-head record against Afghanistan in ODIs, winning 10 out of 16 encounters. The scheduled ODIs will occur on November 6, 9, and 11 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Following the Afghanistan series, Bangladesh is set to visit the West Indies for a comprehensive bilateral series encompassing all three formats of the game. The Bangladesh squad for the upcoming series consists of the following players: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Touhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Vice Captain), Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
The Bangladesh cricket team has been preparing for a competitive ODI series against Afghanistan, an increasingly formidable team in the international cricket arena. The series is anticipated to serve as vital preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, an important tournament for the team scheduled for the following year. With recent test victories fostering optimism and a need for improvement in the shorter format, the matches against Afghanistan offer a crucial chance for Bangladesh to regain their footing in ODIs after an extended break since March. This is particularly significant given their mixed performances in the preceding months, including a troubled T20 campaign and more satisfying Test results.
In summary, the Bangladesh cricket team has embarked on a crucial ODI series against Afghanistan, which is regarded as an essential preparatory phase for the ICC Champions Trophy. With a strong historical record against Afghanistan, the team aims to capitalize on this opportunity to enhance their performance after a challenging period. The matches scheduled at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will also set the stage for their subsequent tour of the West Indies, which promises to offer further competitive cricket across all formats.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
