Identifying Key Strengths to Prioritize in the Upcoming Afghanistan Test

Mainul Islam

May 18, 2023

2.7 minutes

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Mainul Islam

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Identifying Key Strengths to Prioritize in the Upcoming Afghanistan Test

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Reveals Itinerary for Afghanistan Tour. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled the itinerary for Afghanistan’s tour of Bangladesh, which will be divided into two phases. The visiting team is scheduled to arrive on June 10 to participate in a one-off Test match in Mirpur.

Bangladesh’s previous encounters with Afghanistan in lone Test matches have not been favorable, with Afghanistan emerging victorious by a significant margin of 224 runs in their maiden Test clash in Chattogram. Bangladesh’s strategies did not yield the desired results, as Afghanistan’s spinners dominated the game on a turning pitch, while Bangladesh’s only pace-bowling option was Soumya Sarkar. Despite Bangladesh’s strong batting lineup, it was the Afghan spinners who had a greater impact on the match.

This time around, the lone Test will be held in Mirpur from June 14, followed by Afghanistan’s departure on June 19 for their series against India during the Eid-ul-Adha break. Afghanistan will then return on July 1 to engage in a three-match ODI series on July 5, 8, and 11, respectively. The tour will conclude with two T20Is in Sylhet on July 14 and 16.

Strategic Considerations for Bangladesh Ahead of the Afghanistan Test. Following the discussions surrounding the previous lone Test in 2019, there were questions raised about captain Shakib Al Hasan’s preference for a spinning track. BCB boss Nazmul Hassan Papon expressed his concerns, questioning the decision and the absence of pacers, as the team had played on sporting wickets during the World Cup. Papon stated his expectation of playing on a more balanced pitch.
Considering Afghanistan’s formidable spinners, it remains to be seen if there will be a shift in tactics. Bangladesh’s strength now lies in their pace department, raising the question of how they will approach the upcoming Test match.

Afghanistan’s spinners are expected to excel on a spinning track, potentially outperforming Bangladesh’s spinners. However, in the recent Test against Ireland in Mirpur, Bangladesh’s pace attack didn’t find much assistance from the surface, despite adopting a balanced approach with three pacers and three spinners.

Unfortunately, Bangladesh might have to face the Test without skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who sustained an injury to his right index finger during the Ireland series. His recovery period is estimated to be around six weeks. Selector Habibul Bashar acknowledged the low chances of Shakib’s participation, acknowledging that his absence would indeed be a significant setback for the team.

The Bangladesh team displayed ambition in their selection by including pacers Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam for the Ireland Test. Chandika Hathurusingha will have his own strategic process for the upcoming Test, and Habibul Bashar believes that their plans will be implemented in due course. While there is still ample time before the Test, Bashar stated that they do have plans in place but chose not to disclose them at this stage.

The team management is hopeful that their planning this time will yield better results and avoid any disastrous outcomes.

Schedule of Matches:

  • June 14-18: One-off Test in Mirpur.
  • July 5: 1st ODI in Chattogram.
  • July 8: 2nd ODI in Chattogram.
  • July 11: 3rd ODI in Chattogram.
  • July 14: 1st T20I in Sylhet.
  • July 16: 2nd T20I in Sylhet.
Last Updated: May 18, 2023