Afghanistan will be watching the India-Australia match closely, hoping for an Indian victory, which would give them a golden chance to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals. This scenario sets up a crucial Super Eight match against Bangladesh at Arnos Vale, St Vincent, on June 25.
If India defeat Australia, the Afghans will enter their game against Bangladesh knowing that any victory will secure their spot in the semi-finals. Conversely, Bangladesh will also have a slim chance of advancing, provided India wins and they achieve a massive net run rate improvement.
Afghanistan bolstered their semi-final hopes with a memorable win over Australia on Saturday. Currently, India tops the group, followed by Australia and Afghanistan, both with two points each, while Bangladesh sits at the bottom.
In their victory over Australia, Afghanistan’s qualification hopes stayed alive. The team is now eager to face Bangladesh to further their cause. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran continued their excellent form, putting together a century partnership on a challenging pitch. As the tournament’s most successful opening pair, they are crucial to Afghanistan’s success. However, the middle-order, including Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. Afghanistan’s bowling remains their strength, and they will rely on their bowlers to secure the win.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 50-run defeat to India, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. With one of the worst net run rates among the Super Eight teams, their chances are now a mere mathematical possibility. Nevertheless, cricket has seen stranger outcomes, and Bangladesh must keep believing. The opening pair of Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das has been underwhelming, contributing to the team’s poor performance.
Both Bangladesh and Afghanistan have strong bowling attacks but fragile batting line-ups. This match is not only about qualification but also about their intense rivalry, which adds extra motivation for both teams.
Match details
June 25, Arnos Vale Stadium, 6 am IST
Teams
Afghanistan (possible): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh (possible): Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali/Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.