Bangladesh
Afghanistan
The Asia Cup 2025 heads into a decisive stage as Bangladesh face Afghanistan in the 9th game of the tournament. With Bangladesh coming off a defeat to Sri Lanka, this clash becomes a must-win encounter for them to stay alive in the competition. Afghanistan, on the other hand, enter the contest on a high after a commanding victory against Hong Kong and will look to carry that momentum forward.
Afghanistan’s batting unit, led by an aggressive top order, has shown the ability to dominate early, while their spin attack remains a key weapon in these conditions. Bangladesh, however, arrive under pressure, with their top order struggling to find consistency so far.
Their ability to handle Afghanistan’s spinners could very well decide the outcome. With contrasting momentum and plenty at stake, this matchup promises a fierce contest where both sides know the importance of securing points at this crucial stage.
Afghanistan's openers have been building solid starts in this tournament.
The betting tip is...
Highest Opening Partnership: Afghanistan
73 %
27 %
BangladeshAfghanistanBangladesh head into this must-win clash against Afghanistan under considerable pressure after their six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka. Skipper Litton Das will be demanding a stronger response from his side, especially with the bat, as another slip could end their hopes of progressing to the next round.
The opening pair of Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon will be expected to set the tone after failing to deliver in the previous game. Litton Das remains the backbone of the batting unit, and his partnerships with Towhid Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan will be crucial in stabilising the innings. In the lower order, Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain must step up to provide much-needed firepower in the later stages.
On the bowling front, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman will be tasked with early breakthroughs after a below-par performance last time out. Support will be needed from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mahedi Hasan in the middle overs, particularly against Afghanistan’s in-form top order.
Rishad Hossain and Shamim Hossain will also play key roles as Bangladesh look to tighten up their attack and avoid another costly outing.
Predicted Lineup: Litton Das (c & wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Afghanistan made a strong start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, cruising past Hong Kong with a 94-run win. Rashid Khan’s men looked sharp in all areas, but they now face a tougher test against a Bangladesh side fighting to stay in the tournament. The skipper will expect his team to maintain the same intensity and discipline.
Sediqullah Atal’s match-winning knock highlighted his value at the top, and a solid stand with Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be key. The middle order of Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib brings stability, while Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Rashid Khan provide late hitting depth, making the batting unit well-rounded.
With the ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai will target early breakthroughs, aiming to expose Bangladesh’s fragile top order. Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar are expected to control the middle overs in spin-friendly conditions, with Noor Ahmed, Naib, and Janat adding variety to the attack.
If Afghanistan replicate their form from the last game, they’ll be confident of putting Bangladesh under pressure.
Predicted Lineup: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bangladesh face a must-win clash, but their struggling top order could be exposed by Afghanistan’s in-form attack. Rashid Khan’s side has momentum, a strong middle order, and a balanced bowling attack that thrives in these conditions.
Expect Afghanistan to control the game early and build pressure, making them the favourites, though Bangladesh’s key batters like Litton Das could offer resistance in patches.
