Afghanistan Cricket Team. (Photo Source: ICC)

Afghanistan, after losing their first Super 8 match, are now back in contention for the semis with their win over Australia on Sunday. The Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match will be crucial if Australia loses to India on Monday. If Afghanistan beats Bangladesh, they advance to the semis from Group 1 alongside India.

Beating Australia in any format is always a confidence boost, but doing it in a do-or-die clash in the T20 World Cup shows that Afghanistan are a force to be reckoned with in cricket. The victory was set up by openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who put on 118 for the first wicket. Despite only adding 30 runs in the final 24 balls, their total of 148/6 proved too much for the Australians.

With the ball, Afghanistan used eight bowlers against Australia, and we might see a similar strategy in their next match.

Here is the predicted Afghanistan XI vs Bangladesh: 

Openers- Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. (Source – Twitter/X)

Afghanistan will count on their opening batters to put Bangladesh on the defensive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have consistently challenged new-ball bowlers with their aggressive approach. Gurbaz, especially, brings valuable experience from competing against international bowlers in franchise leagues around the world. 

In Sunday’s match against Australia, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz became the second pair to register three 100-run partnerships in T20 World Cups during Super 8s. With 383 runs in five innings, Gurbaz and Zadran also became the second most prolific duo in T20 World Cup history, after their Pakistani counterparts. The pair’s 118-run partnership against Australia was also the third-highest in T20 World Cup history.

Middle-order – Najibullah Zadran

Najibullah Zadran. (Source -Twitter/X)

Bangladesh will look to target Najibullah Zadran, who has been struggling with the bat recently. The veteran batter’s lack of form in the last few matches could be a weakness for Afghanistan. However, with over 100 matches of experience, Zadran will aim to use his expertise to make a significant impact in this crucial game. 

All-rounders – Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, and Rashid Khan (C)

Rashid Khan (Source: Getty Images )

The Afghanistan team feature five versatile players who excel in both batting and bowling. After a tough game against West Indies, Azmatullah Omarzai has demonstrated his all-round abilities in previous matches. Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi, two of the team’s most experienced players, have the potential to change the game’s course at any moment.

Karim Janat, whose outstanding performances in franchise cricket are well-known, is expected to showcase his talent in the upcoming game. And then there’s Rashid Khan, the Afghan skipper, who needs no introduction. Known for his wicket-taking prowess and ability to deliver powerful finishes with the bat, he is a complete package.

Bowlers – Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq

Naveen ul Haq ( Source: Getty Image )

Noor Ahmad adds a crucial element to the Afghan bowling attack with his variations that can outsmart any batter. Although the left-arm wrist spinner has had a quiet tournament so far, his talent makes him a potential match-winner. Meanwhile, the new-ball pair of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq has consistently taken wickets and demonstrated excellent control, making the ball talk and keeping the pressure on opposing teams. 

Afghanistan’s Predicted XI vs Bangladesh

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.