Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in a Test match at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Friday, 9 October, with play scheduled to begin at 11.30am Bangladesh time. Although the match is not part of the World Test Championship, it offers Bangladesh an opportunity to assess their combinations, build match readiness and give key players valuable time in the middle.
Afghanistan have established themselves as a competitive side in limited-overs cricket, but their Test record remains less convincing. Their spin attack, however, remains a major concern for any opposition. Bangladesh’s batters are therefore likely to face a demanding examination, particularly if the pitch begins to offer assistance to the slower bowlers as the match progresses.
Bangladesh’s likely batting combination
Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar are expected to open the innings. Both will have the responsibility of providing a solid platform and seeing off the new ball before the middle order takes control.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to bat at No. 3. His role will be particularly significant in setting the tempo of the innings and holding the top order together if Bangladesh lose an early wicket.
Experienced batters Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim are expected to occupy the middle order. Both have extensive experience of Test cricket and could play a key role in building substantial partnerships.
Liton Das, returning after recovering from injury, is expected to bat at No. 6 and take responsibility behind the stumps. Towhid Hridoy could follow at No. 7, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz is likely to provide all-round balance further down the order.
The inclusion of both Mehidy and Taijul Islam would give Bangladesh two established spin options, alongside their pace attack. That combination could prove useful if the surface becomes increasingly favourable to spin during the match.
Pace attack to provide early pressure
Bangladesh are expected to rely on Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain as their three frontline fast bowlers.
The pace trio will be tasked with making early breakthroughs and maintaining pressure during long spells. Conditions in Abu Dhabi can also place considerable physical demands on players, particularly during a Test in warm weather.
Afghanistan will enter the contest without Rashid Khan, one of the most recognised names in their bowling unit. Rahmat Shah could lead the side in his absence. Players such as Ziaur Rahman and Qais Ahmad could also have important roles to play during the match.
Head-to-head record
Bangladesh and Afghanistan have met twice in Test cricket, with both sides winning once.
Afghanistan secured a victory when the teams met in Chattogram in 2019. Bangladesh responded emphatically in 2023, recording a massive 546-run victory in Mirpur.
The latest encounter, however, will take place in very different surroundings. Neither side will have the familiar advantage of playing at home, while Bangladesh will need to adjust to the conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
The intense heat in Abu Dhabi could be particularly demanding over the course of a Test. Players will need to manage their energy carefully across long periods of batting, bowling and fielding.
Bangladesh’s likely XI
Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain are the likely names in Bangladesh’s starting XI.
The final combination will only become clear at the toss. With Afghanistan’s spin resources expected to pose a significant threat, Bangladesh’s ability to build long partnerships and negotiate the slower bowlers could prove decisive. At the same time, the performance of the pace attack in the opening stages may determine whether Bangladesh can gain early control of the match.