Afghanistan will look to wrap up the three-match ODI series when they face Bangladesh in the second encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. After a comprehensive win in the series opener, Rashid Khan’s men hold a 1–0 lead and will aim to secure an unassailable advantage. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are desperate to bounce back after another middle-order collapse cost them dearly in the first ODI.
The pitch in Abu Dhabi continues to favor spinners, setting up an intriguing contest between two sides built on spin depth and tactical discipline.
Match Preview
Afghanistan silenced critics with a convincing performance in the first ODI, chasing down Bangladesh’s modest total of 221 with confidence. Their spinners dominated the middle overs, while the batting lineup—anchored by Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah—executed the chase efficiently. After a tough T20I series loss, the victory has given Rashid Khan’s side a much-needed confidence boost.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, showed flashes of promise but failed to capitalize on their strong start. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz led from the front with both bat and ball, but a dramatic late collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 67 runs. With the series now on the line, the Tigers must regroup and deliver a more complete performance.
Both teams understand the significance of this game: Afghanistan can seal the series, while Bangladesh are fighting to stay alive.
Team Form & Recent Results
Afghanistan (Last 5 ODIs): W L L W W
Bangladesh (Last 5 ODIs): L L W L L
Afghanistan have looked more balanced in the 50-over format, while Bangladesh’s inconsistency—especially with the bat—has been their biggest weakness.
Afghanistan Team News & Predicted XI
Afghanistan’s batting remains solid despite some inconsistency at the top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has shown promise but needs to convert starts into match-defining scores. His partnership with Ibrahim Zadran will be crucial, especially in neutralizing Bangladesh’s new-ball attack.
Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi add stability in the middle order, while the lower order—featuring Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan—ensures depth. With the ball, spin will once again be their main weapon, led by Rashid and AM Ghazanfar, supported by Nauman Ali and Nangeyalia Kharote.
Afghanistan Predicted XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad
Bangladesh Team News & Predicted XI
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been Bangladesh’s standout performer, contributing with both bat and ball. His 60 off 87 deliveries and economical bowling spell were bright spots, but he needs more support from the top order.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali provide quality in the middle, but early wickets have left them exposed. Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim must provide a solid start to ease pressure on the middle order.
In the bowling department, Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will spearhead the pace attack, with Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan leading the spin charge. Bangladesh may also consider bringing in an extra batter to strengthen their lineup.
Bangladesh Predicted XI:
Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hassan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Afghanistan’s game plan will revolve around spin control and building steady partnerships in the middle order. Rashid Khan’s variations have already troubled the Bangladeshi batters, and the turning surface will further play into his hands.
Bangladesh will rely on Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan to steady their innings, while Taskin Ahmed’s early breakthroughs could dictate momentum. Expect spinners from both sides to dominate proceedings, especially in the middle overs.
Key Players to Watch:
- Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy
Pitch & Weather Report
The surface at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is expected to remain dry, aiding spin bowlers as the match progresses. Batting will get tougher under lights, making runs in the first innings crucial.
Average 1st innings score: 251
Average 2nd innings score: 207
Toss prediction: Teams should opt to bat first — sides batting first have won 36 of 55 ODIs here.
Weather: Clear skies, 33°C with light humidity. Early movement for pacers, but spin will dominate as conditions dry out.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
| Market | Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | 1.75 | 2.10 |
| Top Team Batter | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (4.00) | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4.50) |
| Top Team Bowler | Rashid Khan (3.25) | Taskin Ahmed (3.75) |
Betting Insights:
- Afghanistan have won four of their last five ODIs against Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh have failed to post 250+ runs in their last four matches.
- The last four ODIs in Abu Dhabi have all been won by the team batting first.
Best Bet: Afghanistan to Win & Rashid Khan 2+ wickets.
Where to Watch Online & Match Details
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Date: Friday, October 11, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM local / 3:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast: PTV Sports, T Sports, Rabbithole BD (streaming)
Prediction: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan appear better balanced, with a deeper batting lineup and world-class spin attack. Bangladesh will fight hard, but their batting frailties remain a concern—especially under pressure in tricky conditions. Expect another tight contest, but the hosts’ composure and variety in attack should see them clinch the series.
