#AsiaCup2018: All you need to know about Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
It will be a crucial Super Four match for both Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018. They square off today at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Both teams lost their previous matches in the Super Four. In order to keep their heads afloat, it's a must-win scenario for these two sides. Here is everything you need to know.
Do-or-die scenario for both the teams
Both teams will be looking to give their best tonight. Bangladesh lost against India in their first Super Four battle. Afghanistan fell down against Pakistan on the same day. Therefore, this match is a do-or-die battle. The team, which loses this tie, could virtually be out of this tournament. Afghanistan go into this game as favorites given that they had defeated Bangladesh earlier.
Afghans boast of an all-round side
Afghanistan have batted well in this tourney and every game which they have played, a new batsman has taken the responsibility of scoring the runs. This is encouraging for a young ODI team. Their spinners have been terrific with Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman leading the way. Once again, it will be their bowlers that will look to target the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Bangladesh have serious issues with the bat
Bangladesh need their batsmen to deliver goods in today's match. Their openers have struggled consistently and now the side has gone on to add Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes to add more stability. Perhaps the duo could be drafted in for this game. Their regular collapses have hurt them. Bangladesh's captaincy has been poor.
Players to watch out for
For Afghanistan Rashid leads the way. He has played a terrific hand in giving his side victories. Rashid has picked 7 wickets so far and ripped apart Bangladesh with a splendid unbeaten fifty in the previous meeting. This is the match where Shakib will be tested wholly. He cannot afford to throw away the starts with the bat. He has impressed with the ball.
Conditions, TV listing and schedule
Temperatures have been on the higher side in Dubai. But most of these teams are used to the same. The pitch is expected to be dry and slow as usual and spinners will come handy. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports network. It is scheduled for a 5:00 PM start. One can stream the match live on Hotstar.
