After a tough Test series loss to South Africa, Bangladesh now faces a fresh challenge in the ODI format, preparing to take on an in-form Afghanistan in a three-match series starting November 6 in Sharjah. This marks Bangladesh’s first 50-over series in over six months, with the team arriving in two groups in the UAE.
Historically, Bangladesh holds an edge in ODIs against Afghanistan, boasting 10 wins from 16 encounters, including World Cup victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. However, Afghanistan ended Bangladesh’s unbeaten bilateral ODI record last year with a 2-1 series win in Chattogram, sparking a rough patch for the Tigers in their favoured format.
Since then, Bangladesh has struggled in ODIs, placing eighth in the recent ODI World Cup and suffering series losses to New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has risen in confidence, claiming their first-ever ODI series win over South Africa in the UAE. The Afghan squad looks formidable, featuring a strong lineup with all-rounders like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, who adds value both as a leg-spinner and a capable batter.
Although dependable Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran is out due to injury, newcomer Sediqullah Atal, a standout in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, is set to partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top. Bangladesh faces a steep challenge with limited prep time in the UAE compared to Afghanistan’s extended training, but they hope to revive their ODI success.