AFG vs BAN Match Preview – A burgeoning rivalry in Asian cricket is set to reignite as Afghanistan and Bangladesh clash in the first One-Day International of their three-match series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Both teams, known for their passionate brand of cricket, will be eager to start the series on a winning note, promising a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts.
Afghanistan, a team that has made remarkable strides in international cricket, will be confident in the familiar UAE conditions. Their recent form in the 50-over format has been impressive, including a notable series victory over Bangladesh in their previous encounter in the UAE. Led by the astute Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghan side boasts a formidable lineup with explosive batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a world-class spin attack spearheaded by the talismanic Rashid Khan.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to assert their experience and bounce back against a team that has often challenged them. Under the captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the Tigers possess a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent. Their batting will rely on the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy, while their pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, can be lethal on their day.
AFG vs BAN Match Details
AFG vs BAN Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record in ODIs between these two nations is a testament to their closely fought encounters. In their 19 meetings, Bangladesh holds a slight advantage with 11 wins to Afghanistan’s 8. However, in their most recent bilateral series in the UAE in November 2024, Afghanistan emerged victorious, claiming the series 2-1, a factor that will undoubtedly be on the minds of both teams.
AFG vs BAN Pitch Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is renowned for its balanced pitches that offer something for both batsmen and bowlers. The surface is generally true, allowing batsmen to play their strokes with confidence, especially in the initial stages of the innings. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing the spinners into play. The dry conditions of the UAE will further aid the spinners, making the middle overs a crucial phase of the match. With the average first innings score in ODIs hovering around 250, a competitive total can be expected.
AFG vs BAN Weather Report
The weather in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday is expected to be ideal for cricket. A clear, sunny day is forecasted with no chance of rain. The temperature is likely to be in the mid-30s Celsius during the day, cooling down as the evening progresses. The humidity levels will be moderate, and a gentle breeze is expected across the ground.
AFG vs BAN Possible Playing11
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sediqullah Atal, Nangeyalia Kharote, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam.
AFG vs BAN Match Prediction
This opening encounter is poised to be a closely contested affair. Afghanistan’s familiarity with the UAE conditions and their potent spin attack gives them a slight edge. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Nangeyalia Kharote could prove to be a handful for the Bangladeshi batsmen on a pitch that is expected to offer turn. If their top order, led by the aggressive Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the consistent Ibrahim Zadran, can post a competitive total, their bowlers have the capability to defend it.
Bangladesh, however, should not be underestimated. Their batting lineup has depth, and in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, they have a resourceful captain and a quality all-rounder. Their pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman can trouble any batting side with their pace and variations.
Considering the recent form and the conditions, Afghanistan appears to have a slight advantage in this series opener. However, a spirited performance from Bangladesh could well see them upset the odds.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win a closely fought match.
