Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I tri-series Final : Preview and Fantasy Tips

We are into the final fixture of the T20I tri-series tournament that was played among Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

When it started, everything was boding well for the Afghans as they were on top of the tally with two successive wins. 

But the latter half of the tournament has shown an entirely different picture, and with two straight losses, Afghanistan seems to be under pressure. Those were dead rubbers; yet, each loss could pull your confidence down. 

The final is scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on September 24. 

On the one hand, Afghanistan will try to look forward to end the tournament by lifting the trophy. 

Bangladesh, on the other hand, are in good form after winning their last two league matches, which also ended their four-match losing streak against the Afghans.

PREVIEW :

Bangladesh 

In the last match, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan found his form back and played a top-notch knock of 70 runs in 45 balls. 

The team will also expect their openers to give them a brisk start; something they have failed to provide so far. The bowling unit has performed reasonably well and has provided important breakthroughs in regular intervals. 

Mahmudullah, being the top run-scorer of the team, will again look forward to score some handy runs for the team.

Afghanistan 

Due to a hamstring injury, Rashid Khan might not be seen on the pitch for Afghanistan and this will definitely be a setback for the team. 

In the last two matches, their middle order failed to capitalise on the good start by the openers. Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran and Gulbadin Naib need to perform in the middle order, so that the team could get a decent total on the scoreboard. 

Probable XI :

BANGLADESH : 

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam.

AFGHANISTAN : 

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq,  Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

Pitch Report :

The first three games of the tournament were played in Mirpur and the team batting second faced a lot of trouble due of the slowness of the pitch as the games progressed. 

Both bowling units are in decent form, and hence, the sides would like to put a decent total on the scoreboard and push the opposition on the back foot. 

There might be a slight chance of rains in the evening. The temperature will be around 28 degrees.

FANTASY TIPS :

Players who can not be missed : 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz : He is the top run-scorer of the tournament, having scored 133 runs in four matches with a strike rate of 134.

Shakib Al Hasan : Shakib can be very productive with his all-round performances for his team.

Mohammad Nabi : Nabi can be very effective with his attacking batting and skilful bowling. He has scored 130 runs in four matches with a strike rate of 164.

Mohammad Saifuddin : Saifuddin has provided important breakthroughs in the most crucial situations and has picked seven wickets in four matches with an average of just 13.71.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman : Mujeeb has been very consistent with his bowling and so far, he has picked up seven wickets in four matches.

Captain and Vice-captain :

Shakib Al Hasan : In the last match, Shakib scored 70 runs in 45 balls and took his team to victory. He can be very effective with his bowling and could gain you some good points.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz : Being the top run-scorer of the tournament, it is good to have your pick as Gurbaz as the vice-captain.

Fantasy 11 (#1) : Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Liton Das, Hazratullah Zazai, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Nabi, Shakib-Al-Hasan, Rashid Khan , Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Naveen-Ul-Haq

Fantasy 11 (alternate) : Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Hazratullah Zazai, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib-Al-Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin