Afghanistan to bat first in crucial Bangladesh T20 clash

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first against Bangladesh in the final Group 1 Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent on Monday.

Coming off an historic victory over 2021 champions Australia on Saturday at the same venue, the Afghans are unchanged as they seek the win which will take them into the semi-finals of a world tournament for the first time at the expense of Australia.

Despite losses in their first two matches of the Super Eight, a huge victory for Bangladesh will earn them a semi-final spot alongside India from the group.

They have made two changes from the loss to the Indians two days ago with batting all-rounder Soumya Sarkar replacing Jaker Ali while seamer Taskin Ahmed comes in at the expense of Mahedi Hasan.

Beaten earlier in the day by India to be left on two points, Australia will be cheering for the Bangladeshis as a narrow win by them will see the Aussies sneaking into the last four on net run-rate.

Teams:

Afghanistan - Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen ul Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh - Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

Umpires: Langton Rusere (ZIM), Nitin Menon (IND)

TV Umpire: Adrian Holdstock (SAF)

Match Referee: Richie Richardson (ANT)