The road to next year’s Champions Trophy has officially begun, and cricket fans are in for a treat as Afghanistan and Bangladesh face off in a much-anticipated three-match ODI series in Sharjah, Afghanistan’s adopted home turf. Both teams bring unique challenges and storylines into this series: Bangladesh is playing their first ODI since March, amidst a rocky period following Test losses to South Africa and recent changes in leadership. Their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down from leading the Test and T20 sides, while visa issues have sidelined key players Nasum Ahmed and Nahid Rana for the first match.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, is riding high after an impressive ODI series victory against South Africa at this very venue. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, they enter as the favourites in Sharjah but know that Bangladesh has won their last three encounters. Will Afghanistan keep their momentum, or can Bangladesh rise above recent setbacks and pull off a series win?
Follow the toss, teams, and all the thrilling action on TimesofIndia.com as we get ready for an intense ODI series between these two Asian rivals!
