Afghanistan will take on Bangladesh in a one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 13. The fixture will be an important opportunity for Afghanistan to test their growing red-ball credentials against a Bangladesh side that recently secured a historic Test victory in Australia.

Afghanistan have named a 15-member squad for the Test, with Rahmat Shah continuing as captain. However, the Afghans will be without two of their prominent names, Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran, who have been rested from Test cricket on medical advice.

The absence of Rashid means Afghanistan will have to rely on a relatively different bowling combination, while Ibrahim’s unavailability leaves a significant gap at the top of the order. At the same time, Shahidullah Kamal and Yamin Ahmadzai have earned recalls following impressive performances in domestic first-class cricket. Shahidullah has scored 538 runs at an average of 76.85, while Yamin has taken 42 wickets at an average of 12.73 in the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament.

Here is the predicted Afghanistan playing XI for the one-off Test against Bangladesh.

1. Sediqullah Atal

Sediqullah Atal could open the innings for Afghanistan and take on the responsibility of providing a solid foundation. The left-hander has already demonstrated his ability to score runs at international level and could be important in countering Bangladesh’s experienced spin attack.

With the new ball likely to offer the best batting conditions, Atal’s ability to occupy the crease for long periods will be crucial.

2. Abdul Malik

Abdul Malik is expected to partner Atal at the top of the order. His inclusion would give Afghanistan another specialist opener capable of playing a patient innings.

Against Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers, Malik will need to show discipline, particularly against the movement offered by Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud.

3. Rahmat Shah (c)

Rahmat Shah will be the key figure in Afghanistan’s batting lineup and is expected to occupy the No. 3 position.

The experienced right-hander has already enjoyed success against Bangladesh in Test cricket. ICC’s head-to-head figures list him as Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in this fixture, with 141 runs at an average of 70.50.

As captain, Rahmat will also have to manage an inexperienced attack without Rashid Khan. His ability to contribute a substantial first-innings score could therefore be vital.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi should retain his place in the middle order. The left-hander is one of Afghanistan’s most experienced batters and has the temperament required for Test cricket.

His role could become even more important if Bangladesh’s spinners make early inroads. Shahidi’s ability to absorb pressure and build partnerships makes him a strong candidate to bat at No. 4.

5. Shahidullah Kamal

Shahidullah Kamal is one of the most exciting inclusions in Afghanistan’s Test squad. He returns to the red-ball setup after an outstanding domestic first-class campaign.

His 538 runs at an average of 76.85 make a strong case for his selection, and the one-off Test could provide the perfect opportunity to translate his domestic form onto the international stage.

6. Rahmanullah Zadran

Rahmanullah Zadran could slot into the middle order and provide Afghanistan with another technically capable batter.

With Ibrahim Zadran unavailable, the team will need other batters to take greater responsibility. Rahmanullah’s ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships could prove useful in the longer format.

7. Ikram Alikhail (wk)

Ikram Alikhail is likely to take the wicketkeeping gloves and could bat around No. 7. He is also listed as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in the Test squad, highlighting the team’s faith in his leadership and experience.

His contribution behind the stumps will be particularly important against Bangladesh’s spinners, while his batting could add valuable depth.

8. Ismat Alam

Ismat Alam could provide Afghanistan with useful balance as a fast-bowling all-rounder. The all-rounder has returned to the Test squad after missing the one-off Test against India in June.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could allow Afghanistan to field a deeper batting lineup without compromising their bowling options.

9. Qais Ahmad

Qais Ahmad is expected to be Afghanistan’s specialist leg-spinner. In the absence of Rashid Khan, he could be entrusted with a larger role in the bowling attack.

The Abu Dhabi conditions could become increasingly favourable to spin as the Test progresses, making Qais an important wicket-taking option alongside the left-arm spin of Zia-ur-Rehman.

10. Zia-ur-Rehman

Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar could partner Qais Ahmad as Afghanistan’s second specialist spinner. His left-arm orthodox bowling would give Rahmat Shah variety and allow him to attack Bangladesh’s right-handed batters from a different angle.

With Rashid absent, Afghanistan could rely heavily on their spin combination to control the middle overs.

11. Yamin Ahmadzai

Yamin Ahmadzai could lead the pace attack after earning a recall to the Test squad. His domestic form has been exceptional, with 42 wickets at an average of 12.73 in the ongoing first-class tournament.

His ability to exploit the new ball will be crucial, particularly against Bangladesh’s technically sound top order.

Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI vs Bangladesh