Bangladesh enters this game in a do-or-die situation after their recent defeat to Sri Lanka. A win is essential if they hope to qualify for the Super 4 stage. On the other hand, Afghanistan will look to maintain their winning momentum from their opening game. A victory for Afghanistan would secure their spot in the next stage, while Bangladesh would face elimination. With so much at stake, fans can expect a closely contested encounter.
Match Details:
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Teams: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
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Date: September 16, 2025 (Tuesday)
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Time: 8 PM IST
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Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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Telecast & Live Streaming:
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India: Sony Sports Network (live telecast), Sony LIV & FanCode apps and websites
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Pakistan: PTV Sports (live), Geo Super, and official app streaming
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Global: ESPN+, Willow TV, and official cricket boards’ streaming portals
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Teams Overview
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh has struggled with consistency in the Asia Cup so far. Their batting lineup relies heavily on the experience of Litton Das and the form of youngsters like Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Their bowling depends on pace spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, along with all-round support from Mahedi Hasan. After their last loss, the pressure is on the team to bounce back and perform as a unit.
Afghanistan:
Afghanistan has been solid in recent T20 competitions. The batting lineup featuring Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) has shown promise, while Rashid Khan continues to be a match-winner with his leg-spin and captaincy skills. Pacers Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi can trouble any batting side on Abu Dhabi wickets. Afghanistan will aim to keep the momentum going and secure a place in the Super 4s.
Key Players to Watch
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Bangladesh: Litton Das (c & wk) – Key batter, must anchor innings. Taskin Ahmed – Strike bowler in powerplay overs.
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Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c & leg-spinner) – Master of spin on slow wickets. Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran – Forming the backbone of the batting order.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
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Total Matches: 12
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Bangladesh Wins: 5
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Afghanistan Wins: 7
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No Result: 0
Afghanistan holds a slight edge over Bangladesh in past T20 encounters, making them marginal favorites in this matchup.
Pitch Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi generally provides early assistance to pacers in the first few overs. As the game progresses, spinners tend to dominate, making middle overs crucial for run accumulation. Batsmen who can rotate strike and adapt to the conditions will thrive on this wicket. Dew in night games can slightly aid batting in the final overs.
Probable Playing XI
Bangladesh:
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Litton Das (c & wk)
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Parvez Hossain Emon
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Tanzid Hasan Tamim
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Towhid Hridoy
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Shamim Hossain
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Jaker Ali
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Mahedi Hasan
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Rishad Hossain
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Taskin Ahmed
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Tanzim Hasan
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Mustafizur Rahman
Afghanistan:
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Sediqullah Atal
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
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Ibrahim Zadran
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Gulbadin Naib
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Mohammad Nabi
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Karim Janat
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Azmatullah Omarzai
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Rashid Khan (c)
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Allah Ghazanfar
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Noor Ahmad
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Fazalhaq Farooqi
Probable Scenarios
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If Bangladesh bats first: Expect Litton Das to anchor, but they must accelerate in the middle overs to set a competitive total against Afghanistan’s quality spin attack.
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If Afghanistan bats first: They will rely on the top-order trio and aim for a total of 160-170. Bangladesh’s pacers will need breakthroughs early to create pressure.
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Key battles: Taskin Ahmed vs Sediqullah Atal; Rashid Khan vs Litton Das.
Match Prediction
Bangladesh’s confidence might be dented due to their previous loss, whereas Afghanistan is in good form. Considering current form, past encounters, and pitch conditions, Afghanistan looks slightly stronger and is predicted to win this match. However, with so much at stake, a close contest is expected, potentially decided in the final overs.
