The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan and Bangladesh will both be looking to overcome a lack of recent one-day international (ODI) experience when they meet in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Afghanistan have played only two ODIs this year, with their
last outing — during the 2025 Champions Trophy eight months ago — ending in a
washout. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have featured in six ODIs in 2025, winning just
one, with their most recent match taking place in July.
The long gap between games has influenced team selections
for both sides. Afghanistan have dropped Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and
Noor Ahmad based on their performances in the recent Asia Cup, which was played
in the T20 format.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead a squad built around Rahmat
Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal, forming the
batting core. Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s key allrounder, is expected to
play a crucial role with both bat and ball. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will
anchor the bowling attack, joined by emerging talents Bashir Ahmad and Abdollah
Ahmadzai, who made their T20I debuts earlier this week.
Bangladesh, who have struggled for form in the ODI format,
will aim to find consistency after losing four of their last six matches. The
team will rely on its senior players to regain rhythm as both sides look to
build momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
