Afghanistan, which has appeared as one of the most consistent teams in the T20 format, will face the three-time finalist of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh, in Group B of the 2025 Asia Cup tonight at 8 PM at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both are powerful teams with previous experience, top-order batters, and bowlers. Afghanistan has a lot of confidence after winning the first match against Hong Kong. Although the Tigers also won the match against Hong Kong, the loss to Sri Lanka decreased their momentum.

BAN vs AFG: Match Details

BAN vs AFG: Weather & Pitch Conditions

The weather in Abu Dhabi is predicted to be hot and dry. No chance of rain. Temperatures around the mid-20s°C. The pitch is balanced between bat and ball. The initial overs can offer some support for pace bowlers by movement and bounce, but once opponents settle in, they can play wildly. As the competition continues, spinners are likely to be utilized in the middle overs. Captains may choose to bat first to score a high total because there won't be any visible dew in the evening.

BAN vs AFG: Head-to-Head Record

Historically, the two giants have faced 5 times in the Asia Cup, and both teams have won twice. In the Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan was a noticeable match, and the Tigers' remarkable performance led them to an 89-run victory. Batting first, Bangladesh showed a stunning performance by scoring 334/5. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (112) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (104) contributed centuries for the team. Captain Shakib Al Hasan played a cameo role by finishing the game energetically. In reply, Afghanistan tried their best to chase, but they were bowled out for 245 in 44.3 overs.
However, in the 2018 Asia Cup, Afghanistan achieved a feisty 136-run win over Bangladesh. Afghanistan started their innings by batting first and scored 255/7 in 50 overs. After the early struggles, Rashid Khan saved the team by scoring 57 off 32 balls. Bangladesh, who fought from start to finish, could only manage 119 runs in 42.1 overs. Afghanistan bowlers bowled with consistency and took wickets consecutively.

BAN vs AFG: Predicted Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI (Probable): Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(C & WK), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
 
Afghanistan XI (Probable): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(C), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

BAN vs AFG: Match Prediction & Top Performers 

It is a giant clash again, and this time Bangladesh will face Afghanistan tonight. Both have already played in this season and won against Hong Kong, but Bangladesh lost against Sri Lanka. Hence, based on the previous performances, Afghanistan has more advantages. Their top batsmen like Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, along with a world-class spin attack suited to the UAE conditions. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Sharafuddin Ashraf are capable of breaking the middle-over partnership.

For Bangladesh, the loss against Sri Lanka had a negative impact. But, considering their international experience and recent T20 matches, as a three-time finalist of the Asia Cup, they can make a comeback in full form. The top of their batting order, Liton Das and all-rounders like Mahedi Hasan, can score or chase competitive totals. In terms of bowling, the pace attack of Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam is expected to take advantage of the early swing. While the spinners offer control during the middle overs.