The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 1st T20I in 2025 marks the opening contest of their three-match Twenty20 series held in the United Arab Emirates.
The encounter promises to bring together two dynamic, spin-friendly sides with contrasting strengths: Afghanistan’s emerging variety in spin and big-hitting ability, and Bangladesh’s improving depth in both batting and bowling.
This first clash will set the tone for the series and test how each team handles pressure early on.
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Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Details
Match Details: Date, Time, Venue
- Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Time: 07:00 PM local time (Sharjah) / 3:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
- Series: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series in UAE, 2025
This series is part of the Bangladesh tour of Afghanistan in the UAE, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs.
Historical Context
To appreciate what this match might bring, it helps to review the previous head-to-head trends and performance patterns of both teams in T20 cricket.
Head-to-Head and Recent Records
- Bangladesh and Afghanistan have shared several intense T20 battles, especially in Asian tournaments.
- Afghanistan has built a reputation for producing sudden, game-changing spells and power hitting from their lower order.
- Bangladesh has been improving its bench strength in both spin and seam, often performing better in subcontinental conditions.
- In the 2025 Asia Cup, Bangladesh and Afghanistan faced each other in Group B, with Bangladesh winning that contest.
- This series in the UAE provides neutral conditions, favoring neither side but suiting Afghanistan slightly due to their frequent experience in these venues.
Conditions and Venue History
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium offers balance, with runs available for batters but assistance for spinners.
- Dew in night games could make bowling second more challenging.
- Pitches may slow down as the match progresses, requiring careful batting strategies.
Probable Playing Elevens
Afghanistan (probable XI)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Karim Janat
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan (capt)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Gulbadin Naib / Naveen-ul-Haq
Bangladesh (probable XI)
- Jaker Ali (wk)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib / Liton Das
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Towhid Hridoy
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Mahmudullah Riyad
- Afif Hossain
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Nasum Ahmed
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam / Hasan Mahmud
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh: Key Battles to Watch
- Rashid Khan vs Bangladesh batters – Rashid remains a menace in all conditions.
- Bangladesh spinners vs Afghan middle/lower order – Shakib and Nasum will aim to choke the run rate.
- Death bowling – Fazalhaq, Taskin, and Mustafizur need to execute precise yorkers.
- Power hitters – Omarzai, Nabi, and Janat for Afghanistan; Mahmudullah, Hridoy, and Afif for Bangladesh.
- Fielding and extras – Small margins often decide T20 matches.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Match Analysis & Strategy
Toss Impact
Dew may influence captains to chase, but batting first and putting up a challenging total also remains an option.
First Innings Strategy
A score between 170–190 would be competitive. Afghanistan may look to attack early, while Bangladesh will aim to preserve wickets.
Second Innings Strategy
Chasing sides need to maximize the powerplay and rotate strike well through the middle overs.
Depth & Momentum
Winning the first game is critical for setting momentum in a short series. Both teams will be eager to take the lead.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh: Prediction
This match is expected to be closely fought. Afghanistan has a slight edge due to their stronger spin attack and explosive lower order.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win narrowly, either by 15–20 runs or in a last-over finish. Bangladesh, however, can pull off a victory if their spinners dominate and their top order delivers under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
When does the 1st T20I between Afghanistan and Bangladesh take place?
It is on 2 October 2025 in Sharjah, starting at 7:00 PM local time.
Where is the venue for the match?
The game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE.
How many matches are there in this series?
The tour comprises three T20Is and three ODIs.
Who is the captain of Afghanistan and Bangladesh in this T20 series?
Rashid Khan is likely to lead Afghanistan, while Bangladesh is expected to be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto or a designated T20 skipper.
What is the key factor that may decide the match?
Spinners, death-over bowling, and handling pressure in the final overs will likely decide the outcome.