“Is it a series of relief or worry for Bangladesh? Will there be a chance to regain confidence, or will a new version of disappointment be added? Today in Sharjah, Bangladesh returns to their beloved format of One-Day International (ODI) cricket after almost eight months, with the first match against Afghanistan. The reason for such questions is that the recent performance of Nazmul Hossain’s team in Tests and T20s hasn’t exactly been confidence-inspiring.
Bangladesh can be optimistic based on past ODIs between the two teams. Out of 16 ODIs against Afghanistan, Bangladesh has won 10. Bangladesh also won the last three ODIs against Afghanistan. Furthermore, Bangladesh has maintained a successful streak in ODIs. In their most recent home series last March, they defeated Sri Lanka 2–1, and before that, they beat New Zealand in Napier in December of last year.
However, it’s not just Bangladesh playing in this three-match ODI series starting today; Afghanistan will be playing too. Setting aside the past against Bangladesh, Afghanistan also has a strong standing in ODIs. Last month in Sharjah, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team gained extra confidence by winning a 2–1 series against South Africa.
This was their first series victory against a top-five ICC-ranked team. Prior to that, they won a series against Ireland in Sharjah last March. Therefore, there’s no reason to underestimate Afghanistan in any white-ball format, especially since they reached the semi-finals in the most recent T20 World Cup. They also have the spin of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, along with the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi, and now 23-year-old batsman Sediqullah Atal has joined the squad.
Although this left-handed opener has already played five T20s for Afghanistan, he is still waiting to make his ODI debut. If he gets the chance, his bat is likely to fire. In his last five innings in the Emerging Asia Cup, Sediqullah scored 83, 95, 52, 83, and 55, with the unbeaten 95 coming against Bangladesh ‘A’ team. By leading Afghanistan ‘A’ to victory in the Emerging Asia Cup, Sediqullah was also named the tournament’s best player. The 19-member Afghan squad also includes two new faces – top-order batsman Darwish Rasooli and pacer Bilal Sami.
While Afghanistan dreams of continuing their ODI success with the star of their ‘A’ team, Bangladesh is plagued by various issues on and off the field. The team has nearly forgotten the 2–0 Test series victory against Pakistan due to the failures in the following India and South Africa series. Though the format is different, many of the same players will be on the field!
There was also some debate over captaincy before this series. Although Nazmul almost stepped down, he remains the captain. Meanwhile, this will be Phil Simmons’ first away series as Bangladesh’s coach, and against a team he once coached.
Overall, these three matches in Sharjah will be like a test for both the coach and players. Will the series bring relief for Bangladesh, or increase their worries?”
