Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan vs Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2024

Kingstown [St Vincent], June 25: In a crucial Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, won the toss and chose to bat against Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, at the Arnos Vale Ground.

Afghanistan needs to win this match to qualify for the finals. They are confident after a 21-run victory over Australia. Bangladesh, on the other hand, aims to end their tournament on a high note after a 50-run loss to India.

Captains’ Statements

Rashid Khan expressed that the win against Australia energized the team. He said, “We’d like to bat first. Looking at the conditions here, batting is the best option. This is a proud moment for us being here. We have got the best opportunity to be in the semifinal. We should make sure that we do our basics right and enjoy. Everyone is pumped up. That victory (against Australia) gave us so much energy. Focus is on this game. Same team.”

Najmul Hossain Shanto mentioned that they have a small chance to qualify for the semifinals and want to seize it. He said, “I wanted to bowl first. It’s an important match for us, we have a little chance, we want to grab this one. We have to be calm and execute our plans. The bowling unit is doing a great job. Important how we bat today. Two changes – Jaker and Mahedi not playing. Taskin and Soumya back into the squad.”

Playing XI

Bangladesh

Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan

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