The stage is set in Abu Dhabi as Afghanistan and Bangladesh prepare to lock horns in a pivotal three-match ODI series, starting October 8, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. This bilateral showdown arrives with both teams at crucial turning points in their ODI development, marking another chapter in what has become one of Asia’s most intriguing modern rivalries.
After Bangladesh’s dominant 3-0 whitewash in the T20I leg, Afghanistan enters the series eager to restore pride in the format where they have traditionally held an edge. For captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, this isn’t just about redemption — it’s about reclaiming Afghanistan’s identity as a rising ODI powerhouse.
On the other hand, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s new all-format leader, has revenge on his mind. The memory of Afghanistan’s 2-1 series win in 2024 still lingers, and this series in the UAE offers him a perfect stage to flip the narrative.
A Rivalry Beyond Rankings: Two Asian Underdogs on a Common Quest
Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh have undergone parallel cricketing evolutions. From associate beginnings to full-member glory, both nations have crafted distinct cricketing cultures rooted in grit and adaptability.
In recent years, their contests have often been emotionally charged — not just because of the competitive edge, but because they represent two underdog stories meeting on equal ground.
Afghanistan’s rise has been built on their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, complemented by emerging all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has leaned on its batting depth and left-arm pace to become a formidable force across conditions.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, both teams see this series as a strategic rehearsal — a testing ground for combinations, form, and mental toughness.
Afghanistan’s Redemption Arc: Learning from the T20I Whitewash
Afghanistan’s T20I defeat to Bangladesh was a wake-up call. While their bowling held its own, the batting lineup faltered under pressure, unable to adapt to Bangladesh’s pace-spin variations.
Now, returning to the 50-over format, Afghanistan finds comfort in a structure that better suits their strengths. Hashmatullah Shahidi, known for his calm leadership and tactical acumen, has emphasized discipline and batting patience during training sessions.
In an interview with local media, Shahidi stated:
“ODI cricket allows us to play our natural game. We know our strengths, and we know how to use the conditions here in Abu Dhabi. The T20Is are behind us; this is a fresh start.”
The Afghanistan ODI side has been among the most consistent in Asia since 2023, with series wins against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh. Their lineup features a balanced mix of experience and youthful flair.
Key figures like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who boasts a strike rate of 90+ in ODIs, and Ibrahim Zadran, one of the most technically solid openers in the region, will anchor the batting. All-rounders Omarzai and Nabi provide the middle-order stability and bowling versatility that define Afghan cricket’s identity.
Bangladesh’s Moment of Momentum: Mehidy Hasan’s Leadership Test
For Bangladesh, this ODI series represents more than just another bilateral contest — it’s a litmus test for leadership and renewal.
With Mehidy Hasan Miraz now captaining across formats, the team is consciously building a youth-driven core. The squad features the inclusion of Saif Hassan, who receives his maiden ODI call-up, signaling a commitment to grooming new talent ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Under Mehidy’s guidance, Bangladesh’s cricket has taken on a refreshing energy. The side’s 3-0 T20I sweep over Afghanistan wasn’t just clinical — it was expressive. Mehidy’s aggressive yet composed captaincy style has drawn comparisons to Mashrafe Mortaza’s leadership era, when Bangladesh transformed from outsiders into consistent contenders.
Speaking to Nagorik TV, Mehidy shared his mindset ahead of the first ODI:
“We know what happened last time in the ODI series against Afghanistan. This time, we’re more mature, better prepared, and ready to play fearless cricket. The goal is not just to win but to dominate.”
That hunger for revenge, coupled with the team’s newfound confidence, makes Bangladesh a dangerous proposition on UAE soil.
Pitch & Conditions: The Abu Dhabi Factor
The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi has long been known for its slow, gripping surface — a spinner’s paradise that rewards patient batting and clever bowling variations.
Day-night conditions here add another layer of intrigue, with dew expected to influence second-innings bowling. The average first-innings score in ODIs at this venue hovers around 250–270, suggesting that teams batting first must aim to set competitive but realistic totals.
For Afghanistan, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will relish these conditions. Their familiarity with UAE pitches — where Afghanistan has historically played its “home” matches — could prove decisive.
For Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will be key to countering Afghanistan’s middle order. However, early movement under lights could also bring seamers like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman into play.
Key Players to Watch
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Explosive yet composed, Gurbaz remains the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting. His ability to take on the new ball while maintaining control in the middle overs gives his team an edge. If he finds rhythm early, Bangladesh’s bowlers could be in for a long evening.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
A rising all-rounder and potential future leader, Omarzai’s adaptability with bat and ball will be crucial. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver under crunch situations has made him Afghanistan’s X-factor in ODIs.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Even as captaincy duties have been shared, Rashid remains the heartbeat of the Afghan side. His tactical intelligence and unmatched control over spin make him lethal on UAE surfaces.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
Now wearing the captain’s armband, Mehidy’s dual role as a leader and all-rounder will be under scrutiny. His economical spells and lower-order batting have rescued Bangladesh on countless occasions — expect no less here.
Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh)
The pace spearhead’s resurgence continues to impress. His new-ball spells could dictate the tone of the series, especially if early wickets come his way. On slow pitches, Taskin’s reverse swing and short-ball variation could be decisive.
Statistical Snapshot: Head-to-Head in ODIs
Category | Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
---|---|---|
Total ODIs Played | 14 | 14 |
Wins | 6 | 8 |
Last Series Result | Afghanistan 2-1 (2024) | — |
Highest Team Score | 306/7 (Chattogram 2023) | 338/8 (Mirpur 2021) |
Most Runs (since 2020) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 387 | Najmul Hossain Shanto – 412 |
Most Wickets (since 2020) | Rashid Khan – 16 | Taskin Ahmed – 14 |
While Bangladesh holds a narrow overall lead, Afghanistan has dominated the rivalry in recent years, especially on neutral venues like the UAE.
Fixtures – Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI Series 2025
Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) | Time (Local UAE) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 08, Wed | 1st ODI | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
Oct 11, Sat | 2nd ODI | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
Oct 14, Tue | 3rd ODI | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
Squad Analysis
Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai
Strengths: Experience in UAE conditions, world-class spin attack, consistent top order.
Weaknesses: Lower-order batting fragility, overreliance on spinners for breakthroughs.
Bangladesh Squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Strengths: Deep batting unit, improved pace attack, aggressive leadership under Mehidy.
Weaknesses: Limited spin control in slow conditions, inexperience in lower middle order.
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details
Region | Broadcast Channel/Platform |
---|---|
India | Eurosport Network, FanCode |
Afghanistan | Lemar TV, My Etisalat Afg App |
Bangladesh | Nagorik TV, T Sports, Tapmad App |
Rest of the World | STYX Sports, ACB YouTube Channel, ICC.TV |
Predicted XIs
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bilal Sami
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali (wk), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam
Series Prediction: A Battle of Wits, Not Just Skill
This series promises more than runs and wickets — it’s a clash of cricketing philosophies. Afghanistan will rely on patience, spin, and strategy, while Bangladesh aims to counter with tempo, aggression, and depth.
Given Afghanistan’s familiarity with UAE conditions and Bangladesh’s recent form, a 2-1 result in either direction seems likely.
If Afghanistan’s batting holds firm, their spin trio could tilt the series in their favor. But if Mehidy’s men maintain their fearless approach from the T20I series, Bangladesh could finally achieve the ODI redemption they’ve been chasing.
Two Teams, One Goal — Redemption and Reinvention
As both nations march toward the 2027 World Cup, the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI series 2025 represents more than preparation — it’s a battle for identity and confidence.
For Afghanistan, it’s a chance to bounce back and reaffirm their ODI dominance. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the story of their rivalry and prove that their T20 success wasn’t a fluke.
With every delivery under the Abu Dhabi lights, fans can expect a series that encapsulates everything Asian cricket stands for — passion, unpredictability, and pride.
When the first ball is bowled on October 8, one thing is certain: this rivalry is far from over — it’s just entering its next unforgettable chapter.
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