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Asia Cup 2022: Predicted Bangladesh Playing XI vs Afghanistan

Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in Match 3 of the Asia Cup 2022 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in UAE on August 30 (Monday) in a Group B fixture. Afghanistan thrashed the Sri Lankan side in their first game of the tournament and managed to do it in style with eight wickets in hand and more than nine overs left in the bank. They will fancy their chances of sealing a place in the super four stages by beating Bangladesh in the upcoming encounter.

The middle order does look strong with the experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah coming into play. Afif Hossain was named the vice-captain for the multinational tournament and let us look into predicted Bangladesh playing XI for their fixture against Afghanistan.

Mohammad Naim is expected to slot into the top order straightaway, although he hasn’t had the best of times in the last year in Bangladesh colours. The 23-year-old was recalled into the side after his impressive performances for Bangladesh A, and he will be itching to make the most of the opportunity in the tournament.

Anamul Haque Bijoy will play the wicketkeeper batter role at the top of the order in the absence of Litton Das. The right-hander has played 19 T20Is so far, with his debut coming way back in 2012, and he has a decent average of 25 and a strike rate of 115 in the format so far. A lot will be expected out of him at the top of the order.

Middle Order – Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain

Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Shakib Al Hasan will lead the Bangladesh side, and he will hold the key to Bangladesh’s success in the Asia Cup 2022. The left-handed batter has been one of the best all-rounders going around the world for a long time now, and the experienced lad has already shown his worth with impeccable performances from time to time in ICC tournaments.

Mahmudullah, another veteran batter who can strike the big ones at ease, has lost a bit of form but still is a formidable player in the batting unit. The 36-year-old captained the Bangladesh side in the previous T20 World Cup 2021, and he can chip in with some overs if needed. The right-hander is a strong finisher down the order and has played a lot of valuable innings.

Afif Hossain is one of the upcoming talents in the Bangladesh lineup, and the all-rounder has been the man in form in the last few months. The left-hander has played 47 T20Is so far, and his off break has reaped a lot of rewards too. The 22-year-old has had a good start to his international career, and this will be a big challenge for him.

All-rounders – Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Mosaddek Hossain, Bangladesh
Mosaddek Hossain. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Mosaddek Hossain has been around for a while now in the Bangladesh squad, and he recently captained the side in the final T20I against Zimbabwe. He picked up a five-wicket haul in the same series, and it will be important for him to continue his good form with the ball. He is quite handy with the bat down the order at number seven.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be helpful to keep the balance of the side in good shape, and he has the ability to slip in one or two overs with the new ball before the batter gets a look at the conditions. The all-rounder has a Test century to his name, and Bangladesh will be hoping to get the best out of him.

Bowlers – Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman. (Photo by Andy Kearns/Getty Images)

Mohammad Saifuddin is coming back after a one-year-long gap, and he is expected to get back in the playing XI straightaway with his wicket-taking abilities. The bowling all-rounder can hit some lusty blows down the order and has picked up 31 wickets in 29 T20Is so far apart from his discipline with the ball.

Taskin Ahmed has grown into one of the top bowlers, and he can rattle any opposition with his excellent length and lines combined with good pace. The right arm quick has the ability to beat the batters for pace, and he will be one of the pacers to watch out for in the Asia Cup 2022.

Mustafizur Rahman will lead the Bangladesh bowling attack, and he will be looking to use his variations to full effect against a tough Afghanistan batting lineup. The left-arm seamer has picked up 91 wickets in 69 T20Is so far and is one of the best death bowlers going around. He can hit the Yorkers at will and will be a tough bowler to face.

Bangladesh’s XI for Afghanistan clash: Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz

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