Last chance for Bangladesh and Afghanistan to keep Asia Cup hopes alive

Denzil Pinto 15:10 22/09/2018
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  • Afghanistan beat Bangladesh on Thursday

    Bangladesh and Afghanistan meet again in Abu Dhabi for the second time in a week with the Tigers looking to gain revenge following their 136-run defeat on Thursday night.

    Here are the key talking points ahead of their meeting at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium:

    LAST CHANCE TO REDEEM THEMSELVES

    With both Bangladesh and Afghanistan losing their opening Super Four stage clashes to India and Pakistan respectively, Sunday’s match is one in which neither side can afford to taste defeat. Anything but a victory in the UAE capital and they can wave goodbye to the 2018 Asia Cup.

    Despite the last-over three-wicket defeat to Pakistan on Friday, the Afghans will still be confident especially given the fact they outclassed the Tigers on Thursday. It might not have been significant considering both already qualified for the next stage but it would provide plenty of thought for team management to ponder for what is effectively a knockout.

    Rashid Khan (r) picked up two wickets for Afghanistan on Thursday

    Rashid Khan (r) picked up two wickets for Afghanistan on Thursday.

    BATTING WORRIES FOR BANGLADESH

    It was only a week ago when Mushfiqur Rahim struck a memorable 144 in a pressure situation to guide Bangladesh to a 137-run win against Sri Lanka. That has proved to be the only batting highlight for the Tigers after two unconvincing displays at the crease. In their last two games, they have failed to bat the full 50 overs after being skittled out for 119 and 173 against Afghanistan and India respectively. The absence of Tamim Iqbal, who was ruled out of the tournament, has had a big impact with no other player really taking responsibility. There’s no better time to make amends than on Sunday.

    Bangladesh batsmen have struggled in the UAE

    Bangladesh batsmen have struggled in the UAE.

    IN-FORM HASHMATULLAH SHAHIDI

    The 23-year-old isn’t one of big names in the Afghanistan squad but judging by his performances in the UAE, the batsman is certainly making a name for himself. In the last two matches, the left-hander has scored back-to-back half-centuries – and with 192 runs in his last three innings it’s a positive sign that he’s hitting form at the right time. The number four batsman was unlucky not to claim a maiden ODI century when he finished 97 not out against Pakistan and with the familiarity of the wicket conditions in the UAE, he won’t be short of confidence when he enters the crease.

    Dangerman: Hashmatullah Shahidi

    Dangerman: Hashmatullah Shahidi.

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