Relatively stronger, a bit better-prepared Bangladesh starts three matches ODI series against strong emerging, hard nut to crack Afghanistan on 23 February 2022 at port city Chattogram. 

The first match followed by 2nd and 3rd would also be played at the same venue on 25th and 28th February. The teams would also lock horns in two matches T20 series at SBNCS Dhaka later. In recent times Bangladesh played global tournament and bilateral series with far lesser preparations. Now they would play at home at a time while most of the players have played their part in BPL 2022 and some domestic cricket. However, still rookie in world cricket Afghanistan is proving highly competitive in all formats with some world-class performers. 

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The ICC ODI ranking shows Bangladesh is at number 7 while Afghanistan playing 10 less matches is at 10. Apart from first 5/6 teams ranking hardly matters. The team that keeps composure and plays consistently well would have the last laugh. Off course Bangladesh would have home advantage. But Afghans playing most of their present days cricket in India, UAE and even some in Bangladesh is also tuned to Bangladesh condition. Though Bangladesh, appears favourite on paper yet it would not be a one-sided affair. 

However, Chattogram wicket appeared sporting having something for every-one. 

ICC Men’s ODI Ranking (14 February 2022) 

Circumstances alter Cases. Hope Bangladesh cricket team has come out of the trauma of the T20 world cup dismal performance and demoralising home series against strong Pakistan. Most of mainstream players appeared in touch in the BPL 2022. Though ODI is a different format yet professionals can adjust quickly. But the world class spin attack and not too weak pace attack of Afghanistan would present different challenges. Mujeeb, Rashid and Nabi can run through any batting if players do not apply. In the lone test that Afghans played against at Chattogram Rashid Khan alone tormented. We have seen how mystery bowler Mujeeb rocked batsmen even in recent BPL 2022. Some of the Afghans are coming fresh from PSL. Batting with Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Rahmatullah Gurbaz, Nazibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib and even Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan would not be at all less challenging. Mustafiz, Taskin, Shoriful and Ebadat must open avenues for Shakib, Meraj and Nasum to attack Afghans. Bangladesh must improve their fielding at catching. The seriousness of the Afghans could be understood from their decision for flying to Bangladesh a week early for getting acclimatised. Pakistan is within striking distance of Bangladesh. If Bangladesh can white wash Afghans or even win by 2-1 and Pakistan losses to Australia Bangladesh may forge ahead of Pakistan. On the other hand Afghanistan would leave nothing unturned to improve their rankings. 

Former Australian batsman Stuart Law would be the interim head coach of Afghanistan for the Bangladesh series. He was Bangladesh head coach also for a while. He takes over from protean Lance Klusener. Law knows about key Bangladesh players and Bangladesh condition.

Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Azmatullah Omarzai, Farid Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhail, Mohammad Nabi, Mujib ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Riaz Hassan, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai.

Bangladesh Squad: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmud Ullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahmudul Hasan Joy

Bangladesh - Afghanistan: Head to Head ODI 

Bangladesh and Afghanistan have faced each other in eight One-Day Internationals. Bangladesh has a 5-3 advantage in the head-to-head contest. Bangladesh have won two and lost an equal number of games at home. On the other hand, Bangladesh has an advantage over Afghanistan at neutral venues, having won three and lost one match.

The SBNCS, Mirpur, has hosted most of Bangladesh's ODI triumphs over Afghanistan. However, no matches will be played at SBNCS in the upcoming BAN - AFG 2022 ODI series. Bangladesh last played Afghanistan in an ODI match more than two years ago at the 2019 ICC ODI World Cup. 

The series is a part of ICC ODI super league. Teams would leave nothing unturned to win for brightening opportunities for direct qualification for the ICC World Cup 2023 in India. Teams finishing within top eight within a cut off date would go through. 

BDST: 1241 HRS, FEB 20, 2022
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