Bangladesh eye series win

Bangladesh will try to win their first-ever Twenty20 International series over Afghanistan on Saturday after crushing the visitors with a 61-run victory in the first match of the two-match series on Thursday.

Bangladesh, who had only won twice in six matches against Afghanistan before this series, made sure they were off to a great start in the T20I series as they bowled Afghanistan out for only 94 after posting 155-8.t

This is the only second occasion where the Tigers are facing the Afghans in a bilateral series. In the only one to date, Afghanistan crushed Bangladesh 3-0 in 2018.

Bangladesh also have a chance to leapfrog Afghanistan in the T20I rankings on Saturday as currently, Bangladesh sit ninth in the ICC T20I rankings, one spot behind the Afghans.

If Bangladesh manage a win on Saturday, they will go up to eighth, with Afghanistan dropping down to ninth. But if the hosts fail to do so, the Afghans will keep their place.

In their attempt to seal the series, Bangladesh will have Mushfiqur Rahim back in their ranks after the wicketkeeper-batsman missed the first T20I due to an injury.

Mushfiq, who is waiting for his 100th T20I, had hurt his thumb before the first match but has recovered from his injury, Bangladesh Cricket Board physio Bayzid Ul Islam confirmed on Friday.

“We conducted an X-ray on Mushfiq’s thumb after he was injured. But there was no fracture or anything. He batted today in the nets. He is fit and well. He is available for tomorrow (Saturday),” he said.

If Mushfiq returns to the XI, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, who was handed his debut in the first match, might be dropped.

Bangladesh, despite a crushing victory in the first match, must be looking for an improved batting performance as none but Liton Das could shine in the first.

Liton scored 60 off 44 deliveries, and nobody else managed over 30. The second-highest score came from Afif Hossain, who scored 25 off 24 balls.

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath is also looking for improved performances in the second match.

“With regards to planning, we’ve done well yesterday. There is always something to improve so we had a chat with the guys about where we can improve. We had a brief talk with the batsmen and bowlers as well. We have a kind of clarity regarding our plans and I am sure we can apply those things tomorrow,” the Sri Lankan told the media on Friday.

He also said that he believed the batsmen would find form if they had enough opportunities.

“Regarding selection, I believe when players are given more opportunities to play, they get more confidence. In terms of the bowling unit, they are getting more opportunities. If the batsmen get the same opportunities, they will deliver their best,” Herath said.

He added that they will not be resting anybody on Saturday, “This is a two-match series. If we want to win the series, we need to win the next game. I don’t think we’re resting anybody and will be going with our best eleven.”