The ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is extremely important in terms of securing a direct entrance to the 2023 ICC World Cup. Team management and players from both teams will play with more enthusiasm in order to perform better in the series. Therefore, the premier members of the team should deliver the expected performances. Because it’s usual for top players to find their stride in major events. Who would have been the game-changers in this series? Let’s take a look at the five players that have the potential to make a significant impact on the BAN vs AFG ODI series.
Bangladesh-Afghanistan ODI Series 2022: Five Players to Watch
There are a few genuine world-class cricketers in both the Bangladesh and Afghanistan teams with the ability to influence the outcome of a game. The top five players among them are discussed in this article. Let’s have a look at their ODI career stats on the international stage.
Shakib Al Hasan
ODI Stats: M: 215 | Runs: 6600 | HS: 134* | Ave: 37.93 | 100s: 9 | Wkts: 277 | BBI: 5/29 | Ave: 29.44 | Econ: 4.44 | 5W: 3
There is no denying that Shakib Al Hasan’s presence in the Bangladesh lineup makes a huge difference. His presence boosts the players’ confidence, and he has the capacity to relieve the strain on the other players. He is presently the leading wicket-taker in the Bangladesh-Afghanistan ODI contest with 18 wickets in seven ODIs. Therefore, Shakib will undoubtedly make a difference in the series for Bangladesh.
Rashid Khan
ODI Stats: M: 77 | Runs: 1040 | HS: 60* | Ave: 20.39 | 50s: 5 | Wkts: 146 | BBI: 7/18 | Ave: 18.49 | Econ: 4.16 | 5W: 4
Rashid Khan is a world-class leg-spinner with the ability to bat aggressively in the last overs. While he is a capable batsman, it is his bowling that international cricketers fear the most. Rashid Khan’s leg-spin has been one of the most frightening to batters in recent years. Rashid will surely be the main source of concern for Bangladesh’s batters all through the series.
Tamim Iqbal
ODI Stats: M: 219 | Runs: 7666 | HS: 158 | Ave: 36.85 | 100s: 14
Bangladesh require an anchor batter who can bat deep through the innings to the end. Captain Tamim Iqbal is the perfect fit for the job. Bangladesh’s most reliable opener has performed this role for nearly a decade and will continue to do so in the ODI series against Afghanistan. He has a strong record against Afghanistan in ODIs. Tamim has a 54.60 batting average and has scored 273 runs in 5 innings. He will definitely be a game-changing player for Bangladesh in the series.
Mohammad Nabi
ODI Stats: M: 127 | Runs: 2817 | HS: 116 | Ave: 27.61 | 100s: 1 | Wkts: 132 | BBI: 4/30 | Ave: 33.12 | Econ: 4.30 | 5W: 0
Mohammad Nabi is a seasoned all-rounder who will be crucial to Afghanistan’s progress in the series. Nabi bowls well in the middle overs and may provide crucial breakthroughs when needed. Nabi is an aggressive batter in addition to his bowling. The Afghanistan team will be hoping to see Mohammad Nabi at his best during the BAN vs AFG ODI series 2022.
Mustafizur Rahman
ODI Stats: M: 68 | Wkts: 127 | BBI: 6/43 | Ave: 22.83 | Econ: 5.19 | 5W: 5
The left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman has become one of the best-known limited-overs bowlers in international cricket over the last 5/6 years. His bowling style will pose a concern for Afghanistan’s top order as well as in the death overs. Therefore, Mustafizur Rahman has the potential to be a true game-changer in the series.
Way Forward
The five players mentioned above are all capable of performing on the field without being pressured. They usually play an essential role in the success of their team. These players will definitely shine for their team in this limited-overs series. It is hoped that their outstanding performance would not only influence the outcome of the BAN vs AFG ODI series 2022 but also bring joy to cricket fans.
Source: United News of Bangladesh