Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – 1st International T20 Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan taking place? Friday, July 14th, 2023 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan taking place? Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
What channel is Bangladesh vs Afghanistan on? Bangladesh vs Afghanistan will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Bangladesh vs Afghanistan? Bangladesh vs Afghanistan can be streamed live on ICC.tv
LAST MEETING
Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets
THE LOWDOWN
BANGLADESH
The onus is on Bangladesh to bounce back after losing the three-match ODI series and surprisingly so with them being the home team. They did at least emerge victorious in the final game of that series, winning comprehensively by seven wickets. The Tigers’ bowlers ripped through Afghanistan, all five utilised players picking up at least one wicket but it was Shoriful Islam who starred, picking up four scalps for the loss of just 21 runs. With the bat, Bangladesh suffered a setback as Mohammad Naim was dismissed first ball, but fellow opener and the experienced head of Liton Das guided his side home comfortably, scoring 53 not out, putting together partnerships with both Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy.
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan must have been delighted to triumph in the ODI series away from home, especially as many see them as a specialist T20 side and not as strong in 50 over cricket. They deserved it though, restricting Bangladesh to less than 200 in consecutive matches, both of which ended with Afghanistan winning. They also racked up 331/9 in the second ODI, ultimately coming out on top by a whopping 142 runs. Although the final ODI saw them beaten by seven wickets, the tourists won’t have been bothered with the series already secured and they’ll be hoping to take that momentum into the T20i fixtures.
THE PREDICTION
Afghanistan are in an excellent position to kick on as they transition into the shorter white ball format and their spinners should be afforded some joy in Sylhet. Conditions won’t be alien to the Afghanistan batters and they will hope to put Bangladesh under some serious pressure whether they bat first or second. Although the Tigers will be desperate to respond strongly, it would be no surprise if their batting order struggled against the quality of attack that Afghanistan possess. With that in mind, consider backing the tourists to come out on top here.
TIP: AFGHANISTAN TO WIN
