Afghanistan to Host Bangladesh for ODI Series in UAE
Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE on November 6, 9, and 11. This series is a replacement for an earlier planned all-format tour, which was canceled due to temperature concerns. Both teams aim to use this series as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2024.
Afghanistan is scheduled to host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the United Arab Emirates during November. The specific stadiums for these matches have yet to be finalized. This series replaces an all-format tour that was originally planned for earlier this year, according to the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) opted against traveling to the UAE and India due to concerns regarding high temperatures in both countries. Consequently, the series has been streamlined to consist of just three ODIs, which are set to take place on November 6, 9, and 11. The Afghanistan Cricket Board released a statement announcing that, “Following extensive discussions, both boards have agreed to proceed with just the ODI leg, which will be crucial in both teams’ preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan in February next year.” Recently, BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed his meeting with ACB officials during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting held in Malaysia. Notably, the BCB expressed interest in organizing ODI matches against Afghanistan. Bangladesh has participated in merely three 50-over matches this year and is slated to face the West Indies in three additional ODIs later this year. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s cricket team is experiencing a notable upturn in performance following their successful T20 World Cup. They notably achieved their first-ever series win against a top-five ICC-ranked team, defeating South Africa during their series in the UAE. Afghanistan triumphed in the first two matches of that series by margins of six wickets and 177 runs, dismissing South Africa for 106 and 134 runs, respectively, although South Africa managed to win the third match in a consolation effort, successfully chasing a target of 170 runs. Following the conclusion of the ODI matches against Bangladesh, Afghanistan is scheduled to tour Zimbabwe in December for a comprehensive all-format series.
The series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh is significant within the context of international cricket, particularly as both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2024. By hosting the matches in the UAE, Afghanistan aims to maximize conditions conducive for play, especially after the original tour plans were disrupted by extreme weather considerations. This ODI focus is particularly important for Bangladesh, who have had a limited number of one-day fixtures this year, as they look to hone their skills against Afghanistan, a team currently riding a wave of success. Both squads will thus be keen to leverage this series for tactical preparation and team development while making the most of the competitive atmosphere.
In summary, the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to prepare for the looming ICC Champions Trophy. The decision to conduct the matches in the UAE follows logistical adjustments due to climatic conditions, allowing both nations to focus on sharpening their skills in the 50-over format. Afghanistan’s recent successes add an intriguing competitive edge to the matchup, with both teams eager to capitalize on this opportunity.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
