Afghanistan eye history with winning momentum

Match facts

October 1, Mirpur Start time 1430 local (0830 GMT)

Big Picture

If it wasn’t during the first game, the second ODI made sure Afghanistan grabbed the undivided attention of Bangladesh – the cricket team and nation alike. There will be a lot of eyeballs on the Shere Bangla National Stadium for the series decider, which will have a large bearing on the home team’s mindset ahead of the England series.

Bangladesh would like their batsmen to not throw away their wickets after getting a start, as the top five did in the second game. Soumya Sarkar, in need of runs after a barren 12 months, was the biggest culprit when he charged at Mirwais Ashraf unnecessarily after Tamim Iqbal had got out attempting the same shot.

Imrul Kayes returning to the XI would be a must, given how comfortably he dealt with the Afghanistan attack, albeit for 50-odd deliveries. But his form is going to be important in the third ODI. So would be longer knocks from Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh also have a reshaped bowling attack after Rubel Hossain was dropped from the squad for the third ODI, making way for left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain, the domestic stalwart making a comeback after eight years. Mashrafe Mortaza would have a lot in his mind with the bowling attack, and that could mean picking three left-arm spinners, himself and Taskin Ahmed.

Afghanistan have to keep their bowling plans intact, after being successful in their two-wicket win. Mohammad Nabi’s accurate offbreaks have been the perfect foil for Rashid Khan’s quick legspin but the rest of the Afghanistan attack must put its act together.

And so should …

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