Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE in November. Initially planned as an all-format tour, the series has been trimmed down due to concerns over weather conditions. The series will aid both teams’ preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
Afghanistan is poised to host Bangladesh for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during November. While the specific venues for the matches have yet to be determined, this series is a substitute for the originally planned all-format tour intended for earlier this year, as per the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against traveling to the UAE and India, citing concerns regarding the high temperatures in both regions. Consequently, the series will consist solely of three ODIs, scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced, “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.” Last week, BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed his engagement with ACB officials at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting held in Malaysia, expressing the BCB’s interest in organizing ODIs against Afghanistan. This year, Bangladesh has played only three ODI matches, with another three scheduled against the West Indies later this season. Afghanistan has been in remarkable form since their historic T20 World Cup performance. They made headlines with their first series victory over a top-five ICC-ranked team, triumphing against South Africa in the UAE. The Afghan team, known as the Blue Tigers, dominated the opening two matches of the Sharjah series, claiming victories by margins of six wickets and 177 runs, having bowled South Africa out for scores of 106 and 134. Although South Africa managed to secure a consolation win in the third match by successfully chasing a target of 170 runs, Afghanistan’s recent successes have placed them firmly in the spotlight. Following the ODI series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan is set to tour Zimbabwe for an all-format series in December.
The upcoming ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the UAE serves as a vital preparation opportunity ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February. Originally, both teams were supposed to engage in an all-format tour, which has now been curtailed due to the BCB’s concerns about the weather in the UAE and India. Afghanistan’s recent achievements, particularly their historic win series against South Africa, have solidified their standing in international cricket. This backdrop highlights the significance of the series as both teams seek to optimize their performance ahead of the Champions Trophy.
In conclusion, the scheduled ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will serve as a crucial step for both teams in their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. Despite the unfortunate reduction from an all-format tour to just three ODIs, the matches set for November are significant for both sides, especially considering Afghanistan’s recent accomplishments in international cricket. Following this series, Afghanistan will continue their cricketing commitments with a tour to Zimbabwe, maintaining their active engagement in the global cricket calendar.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com