Coming off an historic victory over 2021 champions Australia on Saturday at the same venue, the Afghans are unchanged as they seek the win which will take them into the semi-finals of a world tournament for the first time at the expense of Australia.
Despite losses in their first two matches of the Super Eight, a huge victory for Bangladesh will earn them a semi-final spot alongside India from the group.
They have made two changes from the loss to the Indians two days ago with batting all-rounder Soumya Sarkar replacing Jaker Ali while seamer Taskin Ahmed comes in at the expense of Mahedi Hasan.
Beaten earlier in the day by India to be left on two points, Australia will be cheering for the Bangladeshis as a narrow win by them will see the Aussies sneaking into the last four on net run-rate.
The Afghanistan team has a clear path to the T20 World Cup semifinals: defeating Bangladesh in their final Super Eights match will secure their spot.
Following India’s 24-run win over Australia, India have already secured the top position in Group 1 and advanced to the semifinals. The remaining semifinal spot from Group 1 will be contested among Afghanistan, Australia, and Bangladesh, who each have two points.
Here’s the scenario for Afghanistan:
– If Afghanistan win against Bangladesh, they will move to four points, surpassing Australia and securing their place in the semifinals regardless of their net run rate (NRR), which is currently -0.650.
– Even if the match ends with no result, Afghanistan will advance with three points, enough to edge out both Australia and Bangladesh.
For Bangladesh:
– Bangladesh need a significant win to advance. They must defeat Afghanistan by 62 or more runs if they bat first or chase the target set by Afghanistan quickly enough (exact overs will depend on the target). This scenario will boost their NRR past Australia’s -0.331 and qualify them for the semifinals.
– Any other victory margin for Bangladesh will not suffice, and Australia will advance due to a superior NRR.
Playing XIs:
Afghanistan – Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen ul Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh – Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
