The third and final ODI between Bangladesh and Afghanistan took place on November 11, 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match started at 3:30 PM IST, with both teams eager to secure the series victory.
Team Overviews
Bangladesh: Bangladesh entered the match with momentum after their 68-run victory in the second ODI. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the team aimed to capitalize on their recent success and clinch the series. The Tigers were determined to put up a strong performance and restrict Afghanistan to a manageable total.
Afghanistan: Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, was looking to bounce back from its defeat in the second ODI. The team needed to address their batting struggles and put up a competitive total. With experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan aimed to turn the tide in their favour.
Key Players
Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto: The captain and a consistent performer, Shanto’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed was crucial for Bangladesh’s success.
- Soumya Sarkar: Known for his aggressive style, Sarkar was expected to provide quick runs in the middle order.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The off-spinner, who took two wickets in the second ODI, was key to Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
- Taskin Ahmed: The fast bowler who dismissed dangerman Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the second ODI was crucial to Bangladesh’s chances.
Afghanistan:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: The captain and a top-order batsman, Shahidi needed to lead from the front and set the tone for the rest of the batting lineup.
- Mohammad Nabi: An experienced all-rounder, Nabi’s contributions with both bat and ball were vital for Afghanistan’s chances.
- Rashid Khan: The leg-spinner, known for his mystery deliveries, was key to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
- Gulbadin Naib: The all-rounder, who took two wickets in the second ODI, was crucial to Afghanistan’s chances.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total Matches: 18
- Bangladesh Wins: 11
- Afghanistan Wins: 7
- No Results: 0
Probable Playing XI (Latest Squad and Captains)
Bangladesh:
- Tamim Iqbal
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
- Litton Das
- Soumya Sarkar
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Hazratullah Zazai
- Usman Ghani
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Shahid Afridi
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
The pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known to be balanced, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. The surface generally favours batters with good bounce and carry. However, bowlers can also find assistance, especially with the new ball under lights. Spinners are expected to play a crucial role in both innings.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
Given Bangladesh’s recent victory and their strong performance in the second ODI, they were favoured to win the series decider. However, Afghanistan’s determination to bounce back and their experienced players meant that an upset was always possible.
Match Scenario: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das provided a solid start, with Tamim playing a crucial role in the powerplay. Soumya Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan added quick runs in the middle overs, while Mushfiqur Rahim’s late fireworks propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 250/6 in their 50 overs.
In response, Afghanistan started cautiously, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai providing a steady start. However, the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan troubled the Afghan batters. Despite a late surge from Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan fell short, finishing at 230/8 in their 50 overs.
Match Prediction: Bangladesh’s strong performance, particularly in batting and disciplined bowling, made them the favourites to win the series decider. Afghanistan showed glimpses of brilliance, but consistency was key for them to pose a stronger challenge in the remaining matches.
