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Afghanistan will look to complete a 3-0 series whitewash when they take on Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. After two commanding victories, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men have shown remarkable control with both bat and ball, while Bangladesh face the challenge of bouncing back to avoid an embarrassing clean sweep.
Afghanistan aim to maintain winning momentum
With a 2-0 lead already secured, Afghanistan enter the final ODI brimming with confidence. Their performance in the second ODI highlighted their growing maturity as a team, as they defended a modest total of 190 to bowl out Bangladesh for just 109. Rashid Khan led from the front with a sensational five-wicket haul, while Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with three wickets, further demonstrating Afghanistan’s bowling depth.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran has been a pillar of consistency, anchoring the innings and setting up foundations for competitive totals. Despite a few hiccups in the middle order, partnerships in crucial phases have ensured Afghanistan always had enough runs on the board. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and execute game plans precisely has been the key to their dominance in this series.
Bangladesh seek redemption after batting failures
Bangladesh’s main concern remains their fragile batting lineup, which has struggled to adapt to Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have repeatedly exposed their technical weaknesses, while poor shot selection and a lack of composure have led to frequent collapses.
Their bowling, however, has shown glimpses of promise – especially in the powerplays – but fielding lapses and dropped catches have undone much of their good work. The final ODI provides a last opportunity for the visitors to regroup, find form and end the tour with a morale-boosting win.
AFG vs BAN, 3rd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: October 14, 5:30 pm IST / 12:00 pm GMT / 04:00 pm local
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
AFG vs BAN, Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 21 | Afghanistan won: 10 | Bangladesh won: 11 | No results: 0
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is set to offer a balanced wicket for the 3rd ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, promising a contest that tests both batting patience and bowling discipline. Traditionally, the surface here provides a moderate scoring environment where batters who settle in early are rewarded, while those attempting aggressive strokes too soon often pay the price.
In the initial 10-15 overs, seamers are likely to find some movement due to early morning moisture and a light covering of grass, making the new ball phase challenging for openers. However, as the pitch settles, stroke-making becomes easier and batters can confidently play through the line. As the game progresses, the surface tends to dry out and slow down, bringing spinners into play. The dry top layer offers grip and turn, making run accumulation in the middle overs a difficult task, particularly against disciplined spin bowling.
During the latter half of the innings, scoring freely becomes tougher, and with dew expected to have minimal impact in October, the pitch is unlikely to change drastically under lights. Given the venue’s history and its relatively slow nature, chasing has often proved tricky, with teams batting first enjoying a clear advantage.
Squads
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Md Naim Sheikh, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Also READ: AFG vs BAN 2025, ODI Series: Broadcast & Live Streaming Details – Where to watch in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Rest of the World
AFG vs BAN, Today’s match prediction
Case 1:
Afghanistan wins the toss and bats first
Afghanistan’s powerplay score: 50-60
Afghanistan’s overall score: 240-250
Case 2:
Bangladesh wins the toss and bats first
Bangladesh’s powerplay score: 40-50
Bangladesh’s overall score: 210-220
Match result: Afghanistan to win the contest.
