Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to face each other in the first ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match will begin at 5:30 PM (IST), with live coverage available on multiple TV and digital platforms. After being whitewashed in the T20I series, Afghanistan will look to bounce back strongly in the 50-over format.
Match Details
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Match: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI (Afghanistan v Bangladesh in UAE, 2025)
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Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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Time: 5:30 PM (IST) / 5:00 PM (PST) / 4:00 PM (local)
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Live Streaming:
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India: Eurosport Network, FanCode app & website
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Pakistan: Ten Sports, Tapmad TV
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Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports, Rabbithole app
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Afghanistan: Ariana TV, RTA Sports
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UAE & MENA: StarzPlay Arabia
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Afghanistan Team Overview
After a disappointing performance in the T20I series, Afghanistan will be desperate to regain form and start the ODI leg on a winning note. Hashmatullah Shahidi continues to lead the side, with experienced players such as Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Rahmat Shah adding balance and depth.
The top order will rely heavily on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who can provide solid starts. In the middle order, Shahidi and Rahmat Shah will aim to anchor the innings, while the bowling attack will once again revolve around Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai. Playing in UAE conditions similar to their home surfaces could benefit Afghanistan, especially their spinners.
Afghanistan Probable XI:
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, A.M. Ghazanfar, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Bilal Sami
Bangladesh Team Overview
Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, come into the ODI series full of confidence after sweeping the T20Is. The team looks well-balanced, combining experience and youth. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali strengthen the batting department, while Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed bring pace and variation in bowling.
Shanto’s recent form makes him a key player in the middle order, and with Miraz’s all-round abilities, Bangladesh will aim to maintain their winning momentum. Their recent consistency across formats gives them an edge heading into this contest.
Bangladesh Probable XI:
Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 19
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Afghanistan Wins: 8
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Bangladesh Wins: 11
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No Result: 0
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First Meeting: March 1, 2014 (AFG won)
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Last Meeting: November 11, 2024 (AFG won)
While Bangladesh hold a narrow lead in the overall record, Afghanistan’s recent ODI victory over them will boost their confidence ahead of this series opener.
Pitch Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium surface traditionally assists bowlers, particularly in the early overs. Pacers can extract movement with the new ball under lights, making early wickets a possibility. Batters will need to be patient and build their innings carefully. A total between 250 and 270 is expected to be competitive.
Key Players to Watch
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Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN): In fine ODI form and capable of anchoring the innings through the middle overs.
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Rashid Khan (AFG): Just one wicket away from reaching 200 ODI wickets, Rashid’s spell could be the turning point of the match.
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): His aggressive batting at the top can set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings.
Probable Match Scenarios
Scenario 1:
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Afghanistan win the toss and bat first.
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Powerplay: 45–55 runs
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Total: 250–260
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Result Prediction: Afghanistan win
Scenario 2:
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Bangladesh win the toss and bat first.
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Powerplay: 50–60 runs
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Total: 255–265
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Result Prediction: Bangladesh win
Match Prediction
This opening ODI promises to be a closely contested battle. Afghanistan will bank on their spin strength and familiarity with UAE conditions, while Bangladesh’s recent form gives them the upper hand. Both sides have match-winners capable of changing the game at any stage.
Prediction: The team batting first is likely to win the match.