AFG vs BAN: 5 players to watch out for in ODI series

The upcoming three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan promises to be a closely fought one. The two subcontinent sides match up equally with some quality spinners in both camps. The surfaces in Bangladesh are usually conducive to spin, thus bringing them into play. Here’s looking at five players to watch out for across the two teams.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz- Afghanistan

Wicketkeeper batter from Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has been effectively showcasing his ability in the ongoing Pakistan Premier League. Gurbaz has been consistently scoring at a strike rate of over 150. The 20-year-opener has been opening the innings for Islamabad United at the PSL and Afghanistan would be utilizing him in the same role on their tour to Bangladesh. Being compact in his technique and having an aggressive stroke play, Gurbaz could give his team decent starts and also look to counterattack the spinners in the opposing camp.

Liton Das- Bangladesh

Liton Das has often drawn appreciation in cricketing circles as a batter who possesses good potential. The wicketkeeper-batter, however, returned with under-par performances playing for his team and eventual champions Comilla Victorians in the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League. When in form, Das has contributed for Bangladesh and scored at a brisk pace. The right-handed batter possesses a range of shots, however, Bangladesh would be hoping for much more consistency from him.

Shakib Al Hasan- Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s star cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, has been a prolific contributor to his team’s cause for several years now. He has won his team innumerable games both with the bat and ball. However, the 34-year-old has been amid controversies in the recent past having previously been suspended for ‘failure to report spot-fixing approaches’. Having gone under the radar, the senior player would want to reinforce his stature as one of the most sought after all-rounders in the world.

Rashid Khan- Afghanistan

It is rare for Rashid Khan to not be on a list of players to watch out for every time he plays any cricket around the globe. The mystery spinner has been one of Afghanistan cricket’s brightest talents since he first burst onto the scenes. With pitches in Bangladesh aiding spin, the leg-spinner would be one of the most potent weapons in Afghanistan’s armoury. He is one spinner who is capable of troubling both right and left-handed batters alike. Afghanistan as usual would be banking on their star bowler to win them a few games single-handedly.

Tamim Iqbal- Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s skipper, Tamim Iqbal, would also be one of their most crucial cogs in the wheel. The senior statesman has given Bangladesh plenty of starts upfront with the bat. He possesses the gameplay to put the opposition under the pump right from the word go. On his day, opening the batting, Iqbal can quickly snatch the momentum for his side with his aggressive intent. Given the spin arsenal, Afghanistan is likely to unleash in the middle overs, the southpaw’s role at the top of the order becomes more crucial than ever.