Match preview: Afghanistan v Bangladesh

Venue
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Team news
Bangladesh come into this game under pressure as the relative favourites, having lost to Ireland in the warm-ups and having a dire build-up, while Afghanistan are pressure-free as the Associate underdogs.
It's their first World Cup match ever, and they will be excited, passionate, and confident about their chances, given their history against the Tigers. Their coach has warned the players not to get too excited, but they're unlikely to take notice of that.
Bangladesh will be relying on all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan for success, given he's their most experienced and highest-ranked player. He has played in Australia recently, in the Big Bash, and Afghanistan's batsmen could come well short against his spin.
The Bangladesh batsmen, on the other hand, will need to be careful of the opposition pacemen, especially Dawlat Zadran. He's fast and accurate, and the 'minnows' have said they feel more suited to Oz conditions because of their fast bowlers.
In all honesty, there won't be many non-Bangladeshis cheering for the Tigers. The world loves the Afghan side, enthralled by their tale of refugee camp cricket and determination. An upset would go down well for most.
Last encounter
The only time these sides have faced each other in an ODI was in the Asia Cup last year. Afghanistan won that game by 32 runs, as Bangladesh imploded spectacularly in that tournament. Afghanistan made 254 for six thanks to 90 not out from Asghar Stanikzai and 81 from Samiullah Shenwari. The Tigers were bowled out for 222 as Mohammad Nabi took three wickets.
World Cup meetings
They've obviously never met at a World Cup. As for Bangladesh, in the four World Cups they've competed in, they've only reached the second stage once. Incidentally, no Tigers batsman has scored a century at a World Cup, and none of their bowlers have recorded a five-fer. Shakib is the likeliest to change both of those stats.
Key players
Afghanistan batsman Samiullah Shenwari could rack up some good runs here if he survives Shakib. He has the highest ODI average off all the batsmen in his side, above 36, and is second only to Nabi in experience and runs scored. He also enjoys facing the Tigers, as we saw in their Asia Cup win.
Bangladesh have no other option but to look to Shakib-al-Hasan. The number one all rounder in the world, his bowling is particularly dangerous, even to big-name batsmen. Coming in down the order, he can flay wayward bowling too.
Umpires
Steve Davis and Joel Wilson, Aleem Dar (3rd umpire), Jeff Crowe (match referee)
Weather
Some cloud cover in the morning and late afternoon, but nothing too serious, and the temperatures will be in the mid to high 20s all day. Perfect cricket weather.
Prediction
One imagines the Test-playing side will pull this one out of the bag, but if they falter then Afghanistan could well take advantage again. Canberra fans are in for a treat!
Latest
-
News
Henry Nicholls thinks Brendon McCullum is an “inspiring” appointment by England
McCullum was appointed England Test head coach last week.
-
News
‘Huge respect between two of us so no animosity’ – James Anderson on Joe Root
Anderson and Stuart Broad are set for England recalls on Wednesday, a couple of months after being jettisoned for the West Indies tour.
-
News
Tom Harrison stepping down as chief executive of the ECB
Managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor will take over on an interim basis in June.
-
News
Tom Harrison steps down as ECB chief executive
Harrison has been in the post for the last seven years.
-
News
On this day in 2013 – James Anderson claims 300th Test wicket
Anderson dismissed New Zealand’s Peter Fulton to reach the landmark.
-
News
England quick Saqib Mahmood to miss rest of season with stress fracture of back
The Lancashire fast bowler would have been a certain inclusion in the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
News
England change to continue with new limited-overs coach and revamped Test squad
Things have been moving quickly at the England and Wales Cricket Board with Rob Key.
-
News
On this day in 2010: England beat Australia for Twenty20 World Cup final glory
The Australians had been restricted to just 147 for six from their 20 overs.
-
News
James Anderson removes Joe Root for just four but Yorkshire thwart Lancashire
Harry Brook came to Yorkshire’s rescue to secure a Roses draw.
-
News
Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting
The former Australia all-rounder was killed in a car crash at the age of 46.