Afghanistan eye first win as Bangladesh look to extend CWCSL lead

Overview

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, third ODI
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
February 28, 11:00 AM local

After winning two out of two in the ODI series against Afghanistan, Bangladesh have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. They have also climbed to the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League standings. With crucial Super League points at stake, Afghanistan will be looking to make a comeback in the final ODI in Chattogram and securing those ten crucial points that can help them, in the long run, to advance to the next World Cup.

It's never easy to bounce back after losing two consecutive matches as a visiting team but to avoid a clean sweep in the series, Afghanistan must learn from their mistakes in the first two ODIs. After slipping from a winning position in the first ODI, Afghanistan were convincingly beaten in the second game.

The batting has been a cause of concern for Afghanistan. While batting first in the first ODI, the batters lacked intent and lost wickets at regular intervals, ultimately leaving them 40-50 runs short of what could have been a good score. Their poor form continued in the second ODI where they lost by 88 runs chasing a big total of 307 runs. In the final ODI, it will be crucial for their batters to bat deep and build partnerships.

Afghanistan's bowling has also fallen short of expectations, especially spinners Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Going into the final ODI, Afghanistan will want their spinners to step up and help out the pace bowling unit in the middle overs.

The hosts, on the other side, have ticked all the boxes and done a fine job in the series. Bangladesh's top order batters' fightback in the second ODI, following a collapse in the first, demonstrated the mindset with which they are training in their camp. Liton Das' century in the second ODI, as well as Mushfiqur Rahim's superb half-century, will give Bangladesh a tremendous boost going into the final match.

Despite them addressing their batting issues, skipper Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be expected to contribute with the bat in the third ODI.

Remember the last time

In the second ODI, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 88 runs at the Zahur Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. After winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal chose to bat first, Liton Das' 136 off 126 balls and Mushfiquir Rahim's 86 off 93 balls powered Bangladesh to 306 for 4 at the end of 50 overs.

Defending the total, Bangladesh bowlers again produced a brilliant performance and managed to restrict Afghanistan to 218/10 in 45.1 overs, helping Bangladesh win their second consecutive ODI in the series. With their all-round performance in the second ODI, Bangladesh also clinched the series and have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0.

What they said

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh captain): “The partnership Liton and Mushy created was amazing, though we did not finish well with the bat the bowlers did the job for us. The bowlers have been brilliant. Very important to win and get those points. When you play well make the most of it and win as many points.”

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan captain): “We conceded a few too many in the early overs and then that partnership between Mushy and Liton took the game away from us. Wanted to restrict them under 260. We gave away too many extras and we will try to correct that in the next game.”