Afghanistan registered a clinical five-wicket victory in the first ODI of the white-ball series against Bangladesh on Wednesday. The Afghan team is currently 1-0 up in the series, with two more games to be played. Both teams will meet again at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 11.

After losing the T20Is, the Afghans bounced back strongly in the opening game of the ODI leg. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted 221, courtesy of fifties from Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Rashid Khan (3/38) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40), triggered a collapse that restricted the hosts to a below-par total.

In reply, Afghanistan chased down the target in 47.1 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Rahmat Shah (50) stabilized the innings after losing early wickets, while Omarzai (40) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (33*) guided the team home comfortably.

With the second match at the same venue, the Shahidi-led team will be confident and will be hoping to clinch a win and the three-match assignment. While the visitors will be looking to bounce back in the series.

AFG vs BAN Match Details

Pitch Report

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi generally favours the bowlers, with pacers finding some movement early on. Bowlers can move the ball with ease and aim to pick up a few early wickets to trouble the opposition. Batters, meanwhile, need to be cautious, avoiding loose shots that could lead to cheap dismissals.

AFG vs BAN Head to Head

AFG vs BAN Predicted Playing XIs

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad

Bangaldesh

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hassan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali(w), Towhid Hridoy, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Probable Best Performers from AFG vs BAN

Probable Best Batter: Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz could be the best batter in the second ODI against Afghanistan. Despite scoring a fifty in the opening game. The visitors suffered a defeat. However, Miraz will be confident in playing in the same manner and take the bulk of responsibility.

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan could be the best bowler in this clash. The leggie has had an incredible series so far. After bagging six wickets in three T20Is, Khan continued his form in the ODI leg, picking a three-wicket haul in the first game.

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.