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Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in Match 3 of the UAE ODI tri-series 2026/27 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 21. Led by Litton Das, Bangladesh will be eager to bounce back after suffering a 99-run defeat against Zimbabwe in their tournament opener. The contest against Afghanistan will be crucial for their hopes of reaching the final, scheduled for October 23.
Bangladesh have selected a 16-member squad featuring experienced campaigners such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman, alongside promising options including Tanzid Hasan and Rishad Hossain. After a disappointing opening performance, the team management could consider adjustments to the batting order while retaining its core bowling combination.
Tanzid Hasan is expected to open the innings and provide Bangladesh with an aggressive start. The left-handed batter can exploit the powerplay restrictions by finding gaps and attacking loose deliveries. Against Afghanistan’s quality pace and spin options, his ability to negotiate the initial overs without losing his natural attacking approach will be important.
Soumya Sarkar could partner Tanzid at the top of the order. His experience in international cricket makes him a valuable option, particularly when Bangladesh need to recover from a difficult start. Soumya can accelerate against pace and use his left-handed batting style to disrupt the opposition’s bowling plans. He will need to convert his start into a substantial contribution.
Najmul Hossain Shanto is predicted to bat at No. 3. The left-hander offers composure and the ability to build an innings through partnerships. His responsibility will be to stabilise the batting if either opener falls early and ensure Bangladesh do not lose wickets in clusters. Shanto’s experience against spin could also be useful against Afghanistan’s formidable attack.
Saif Hassan could occupy the No. 4 position, providing another right-handed option in the middle order. His role will be to rotate the strike, build partnerships and prevent Afghanistan from controlling the game through consecutive wickets. He will need to show patience against the opposition’s spinners while capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Towhid Hridoy is likely to bat at No. 5. The middle-order batter has the ability to accelerate once settled and can be particularly effective when Bangladesh need runs during the final 15 overs. As vice-captain, he will also have an important leadership responsibility in helping the team recover from its opening defeat.
Litton Das is expected to bat at No. 6 and take charge of the team’s middle-order plans. The captain’s wicketkeeping skills and international experience make him a central figure in Bangladesh’s combination. His ability to adapt to the match situation will be important, whether the team needs to rebuild after early wickets or accelerate towards a competitive total.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is likely to provide balance at No. 7. His off-spin can be useful against Afghanistan’s batters, while his batting gives Bangladesh additional depth. He will be expected to contribute in both departments and help control the middle overs.
Rishad Hossain could feature as the second frontline spin option. His leg-spin offers variation and the potential to take wickets when batters attempt to attack. The contest against Afghanistan’s middle order will test his accuracy and ability to vary his pace.
Taskin Ahmed is expected to lead the pace attack. His ability to generate bounce and bowl with aggression could make him Bangladesh’s most important fast-bowling option. Early wickets will be essential against Afghanistan’s in-form top order.
Mustafizur Rahman is likely to feature as the left-arm pace option. His cutters and changes of pace can be effective on slower surfaces, particularly during the middle and death overs. He will need to keep Afghanistan’s aggressive batters from dominating the latter stages of the innings.
Shoriful Islam could complete the bowling attack. His left-arm angle provides variety alongside Taskin and Mustafizur, while his ability to swing the new ball gives Bangladesh another opportunity to strike early.
Predicted Bangladesh Playing XI vs Afghanistan
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