Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to face each other in a one-off Test at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, beginning on October 9. The fixture will provide both teams with an opportunity to strengthen their red-ball credentials, with Afghanistan entering the contest under new Test captain Rahmat Shah and Bangladesh coming off a competitive drawn series against Australia.

The match is particularly significant for Afghanistan as they prepare to play without their premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan and batter Ibrahim Zadran, who have been rested from the Test squad. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have recalled Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali after their impressive performances for Bangladesh A against South Africa A.

With both sides possessing quality batters and spinners, several individual contests could have a major bearing on the outcome. Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

1. Rahmat Shah vs Taijul Islam

The battle between Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah and Bangladesh’s experienced left-arm spinner Taijul Islam could be one of the defining contests of the Test.

Rahmat has been one of Afghanistan’s most dependable Test batters and will carry additional responsibility in Abu Dhabi as the team’s captain. The right-hander has already accumulated 141 runs against Bangladesh in Test cricket, averaging 70.50, according to the ICC’s head-to-head statistics.

His ability to occupy the crease for long periods will be particularly important for Afghanistan, especially with Ibrahim Zadran unavailable. Rahmat will be expected to provide stability at the top of the order and guide a relatively inexperienced batting group.

Standing in his way will be Taijul, Bangladesh’s premier left-arm spinner. The veteran has taken eight wickets against Afghanistan in Tests, including best figures of 4/116.

Taijul’s accuracy and ability to bowl long spells could test Rahmat’s patience. If Bangladesh can get the Afghanistan captain out cheaply, they could expose the hosts’ middle order to sustained pressure.

2. Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Another fascinating contest will be between Afghanistan’s experienced batter Hashmatullah Shahidi and Bangladesh’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Shahidi is expected to play an important role in Afghanistan’s middle order. The left-hander has built his reputation around his ability to absorb pressure and bat for extended periods in Test cricket. With Afghanistan missing Ibrahim, his experience will become even more valuable.

However, Bangladesh have a strong weapon to challenge him in Mehidy.

The off-spinner has become one of Bangladesh’s most important Test cricketers and is capable of creating pressure with both his accuracy and variations. He also provides Bangladesh with valuable runs down the order, making his contribution significant in all phases of the match.

The Abu Dhabi conditions could encourage Bangladesh to use Mehidy for long spells once the ball gets older. Shahidi will need to be particularly careful against deliveries that turn away from the left-hander.

If Mehidy can dismiss Shahidi during the middle sessions, Bangladesh could gain a significant advantage. Conversely, a long partnership between Shahidi and Rahmat would allow Afghanistan to take control of the first innings.

3. Towhid Hridoy vs Qais Ahmad

The third battle could feature one of Bangladesh’s most exciting recent Test recalls against Afghanistan’s attacking leg-spinner Qais Ahmad.

Towhid Hridoy returns to the Test squad after producing a sensational unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. The innings was the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batter in first-class cricket and earned him an immediate recall to the national side.

Hridoy’s ability to dominate spin could be particularly important in Abu Dhabi. Unlike a conventional Test batter, he has considerable experience in white-ball cricket and can shift gears quickly when required.

Qais, meanwhile, represents Afghanistan’s attacking option in the spin department. The leg-spinner has the ability to extract turn and bounce and could be used aggressively against Bangladesh’s middle order.

The contest will be fascinating because Hridoy will not want to simply defend against Qais. He could look to disrupt the spinner’s rhythm by using his feet and attacking scoring areas.

For Afghanistan, Qais will need to balance aggression with discipline. Giving Hridoy loose deliveries could allow the recalled batter to build another substantial innings.