Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – Asia Cup 2025, Group B Match 9 Preview
It’s a high-stakes clash in Group B as Afghanistan take on Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan started their campaign with a dominant win over Hong Kong, backed by a superb bowling performance. They sit at the top of the Group B table with NRR +4.700. Bangladesh come in with 1 win and 1 loss from two games, and this match could decide their Super 4 qualification hopes.
Both sides are strong in spin bowling and have in-form batters, setting up a thrilling contest under the lights.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- Afghanistan: ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
- Bangladesh: ✅ ✅ NR ✅ ❌
Afghanistan have been more consistent, while Bangladesh are a bit unpredictable but dangerous on their day.
Players to Watch
Afghanistan
- Sediqullah Atal (Bat): 251 runs in 8 matches, avg 35.86, SR 128.71 – improving as a reliable top-order batter.
- Ibrahim Zadran (Bat): 197 runs at SR 127.09 – steady hand in pressure chases.
- Rashid Khan (Bowl): 19 wickets in 9 games, economy 6.67 – the ultimate game-changer.
- Naveen-ul-Haq (Bowl): 8 wickets in just 4 games – effective in death overs.
Bangladesh
- Litton Das (Bat): 357 runs in last 10 matches, avg 44.63, SR 140 – Bangladesh’s form anchor.
- Tanzid Hasan (Bat): 176 runs at SR 118.12 – aggressive option at the top.
- Taskin Ahmed (Bowl): 14 wickets in just 5 games, SR 8.35 – leading the pace attack brilliantly.
- Mahedi Hasan (All-rounder): 10 wickets in 8 matches, handy with bat & ball.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 T20Is)
- Afghanistan won by 8 runs (DLS) – Jun 2024
- Bangladesh won by 6 wickets (DLS) – Jul 2023
- Bangladesh won by 2 wickets – Jul 2023
- Afghanistan won by 7 wickets – Aug 2022
- Afghanistan won by 8 wickets – Mar 2022
Very evenly matched – Afghanistan lead 3-2 in recent clashes.
Pitch & Conditions – Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi generally offers slow surfaces, favoring spinners.
- Scores of 150–160 are par here.
- Dew in night games could help chasing sides.
Key Battles
- Litton Das vs Rashid Khan – Bangladesh’s best batter against Afghanistan’s strike bowler.
- Sediqullah Atal vs Taskin Ahmed – Early contest between Afghan opener and Bangladesh’s pace spearhead.
- Ibrahim Zadran vs Mahedi Hasan – A test of patience in the middle overs.
Prediction Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2025
- Afghanistan Edge: Spin twins Rashid & Naveen give them control.
- Bangladesh Edge: Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed in red-hot form.
Prediction: Afghanistan slight favourites on Abu Dhabi’s spin-friendly surface, but Bangladesh can pull an upset if Litton fires.