History has an uncanny habit of repeating itself, and this adage is being redeemed to the fullest in this year’s Asia Cup 2018 fixtures.
Afghanistan will take on Bangladesh once again on Thursday, and would try to repeat history when on March 1, 2014; it beat Bangladesh by 32 runs in their first Asia Cup clash. At that time, the Bangladesh team was considered minnows and often finished up with the fewest points.
Live updates:
Afghanistan 136/4 in 33 overs.
Afg wins toss and bat first
Afghanistan are 128/4 after 30 overs. #BANvAFG
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 20, 2018
Watch the Asia Cup 2018 LIVE on : https://t.co/nh521ChVvD
To get Livescore update click: https://t.co/gNDk95RFTt and start saying 'Hi' pic.twitter.com/ihMucUqxSn
Today Afghanistan is no longer counted a novice, and they have beaten some of the best teams including Bangladesh and latest, Sri Lanka.
Their players have also featured in IPL matches also. A few months back, they have swept Bangladesh 3-0 at their temporary home, Dehradun. Their victory against Sri Lanka was epic since Sri Lanka was a nation which won the World Cup once and has been to the final twice.
WICKET! Shakib strikes again, Shenwari gone for 18. Afghanistan are 139/5. #BANvAFG
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 20, 2018
Watch the Asia Cup 2018 LIVE on : https://t.co/nh521ChVvD
To get Livescore update click: https://t.co/gNDk95RFTt and start saying 'Hi' pic.twitter.com/jL0JSPgQU8
Match result insignificant for both teams fortunes
Both teams have qualified for the next round and therefore this match will not have much effect on their chances.
Afghanistan can stay in Abu Dhabi after the match, while Bangladesh will head to Dubai to meet India on Friday.
Both the teams have beaten Sri Lanka convincingly. Bangladesh team faced the worst circumstances when they were 1 for two at a stage before. Coupled with this misfortune, they also lost Tamim Iqbal to an injury. A memorable inning by Mushfiqur Rahim helped them register a victory over Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Playing XI against Afghanistan. #BANvAFG
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 20, 2018
Watch the Asia Cup 2018 LIVE on Rabbithole.
Android: https://t.co/gRrE3kJgYc
iOS: https://t.co/FfYlStljof
To get Livescore update click: https://t.co/gNDk95RFTt and start saying 'Hi' pic.twitter.com/MCExYxSLcb
Afghanistan – formidable spin attack
The strength of the Afghanistan team is their spin attack led by Rashid Khan.
The other two bowlers are Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, and they are also competitive. If the bowlers have a total of 250 to defend, the Afghan team will clinch the opportunity.
They made 249 with every batsman contributing their bit, and then Mujeeb, Rashid, Nabi, and pacer Gubadin Naib chipped in with each claiming two wickets each and the task was done. The Afghanistan team is one of the complete units with each member having their work cut out before them.
Afghanistan is again a far settled unit with no such injury worries.
The spin trio bowled really well against Sri Lanka, and if Afghanistan were to beat Bangladesh, the three spinners will be key again. The batsmen showed maturity in the first game, which Afghanistan had lacked in the past.
Read: Asia Cup 2018: Virat Kohli rested, Rohit Sharma to lead team India
Also read: Cricket score: Pakistan vs India online on PTV Sports at 5 PM PST on Wednesday