CHATTOGRAM: The Bangladesh cricket team is brimming with confidence as they gear up to dominate the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. This comes after their resounding victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test, where they secured a record-breaking margin of 546 runs.
The highly anticipated ODI series commences today in Chattogram, with Afghanistan also hoping to secure their first ODI series win against Bangladesh, after falling short in their previous two attempts. Last year, the two teams clashed in Bangladesh, resulting in a 2-1 victory for the hosts despite a valiant effort from the Afghan side.
Bangladesh a formidable force
Bangladesh has proven to be a formidable force in ODI cricket on home turf, having lost only two home series since 2015. Interestingly, both of these losses were against the reigning World Champions, England, who triumphed over them in 2016 and earlier this year.
Although this series is not part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI Super League, it holds immense significance for the Bangladesh team. A clean sweep with a 3-0 victory against Afghanistan would propel Bangladesh to fifth place in the ODI rankings for the first time in their history, a remarkable achievement.
While climbing up the rankings is undoubtedly important, the team management is equally focused on rotating players to determine the best combination for the upcoming World Cup. The series in Chittagong serves as a dress rehearsal for the clash between these two sides in the World Cup, to be held in India.
Before cricket’s biggest extravaganza, Bangladesh has the Asia Cup and a three-match series against New Zealand on their plate, apart from the ongoing series against Afghanistan. This provides ample opportunities for the team to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the global tournament.
The Afghanistan team will receive a boost with the return of their talismanic player, Rashid Khan, who was rested for the Dhaka Test in order to focus on the Asia Cup and World Cup. Additionally, star bowlers Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi make a much-needed comeback, aiming to help Afghanistan bounce back from the shock of their Test defeat.
The second and third one-day internationals will be held in Chittagong on July 8th and 11th, followed by two Twenty-20 matches in Sylhet on July 14th and 16th. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await these thrilling encounters, all eyes will be on the Bangladesh cricket team as they seek to establish their dominance over Afghanistan and continue their winning streak.
