AFG vs BAN Match Prediction, Preview, Playing XI, Pitch and Weather Report: 1st ODI, Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE 2025

AFG vs BAN 1st ODI – The stage is set for an intriguing clash in the 50-over format as Afghanistan hosts Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in the UAE. This series marks a rare bilateral ODI encounter between the two Asian sides, coming on the heels of Bangladesh’s dominant 3-0 whitewash in the preceding T20I leg. With both teams looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of future white-ball assignments, the opener at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi promises balanced battles between bat and ball. Afghanistan, playing their first ODI in eight months, will rely on their spin-heavy attack to counter Bangladesh’s settled batting lineup led by the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

AFG vs BAN Match Details

Afghanistan enters this series on the back foot in terms of match practice. Their last completed ODI was over eight months ago, with their sole outing in 2025—a Champions Trophy group game—abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just two ODIs for the calendar year. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lean on veterans like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan to anchor the side, while young guns such as Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal aim to provide explosive starts at the top. Afghanistan’s recent ODI form has been patchy, with only sporadic successes against lower-ranked sides, but their spin duo of Rashid and Rahmat Shah could exploit the UAE conditions effectively.

In contrast, Bangladesh arrives with fresher legs after a grueling tour of Sri Lanka in July 2025, where they secured a 2-1 series win in the ODIs, highlighted by a thrilling two-wicket victory in the decider. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, stepping in as captain for this tour, brings a wealth of all-round experience, complemented by the pace threat of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. The Tigers’ batting has shown resilience, with Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto emerging as consistent performers. However, the absence of Litton Das opens the door for uncapped Saif Hassan to make his debut at the top, adding an element of intrigue to their lineup.

Head-to-head records tilt slightly in Bangladesh’s favor, with the visitors holding an 11-8 edge in 19 completed ODIs. Their most recent meeting, a 92-run thrashing of Bangladesh in November 2024, will give Afghanistan belief, but the T20I sweep underscores Bangladesh’s current dominance in limited-overs cricket against the hosts. Key matchups to watch include Rashid Khan vs. Shanto (the Afghan leg-spinner has dismissed the Bangladeshi batter thrice in ODIs) and Taskin Ahmed vs. Zadran (Taskin’s swing could trouble the opener early on).

This series is more than just bragging rights—it’s a crucial tune-up for both sides ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle. Expect a tactical chess match, with captains prioritizing spin-friendly overs in the middle phase.

AFG vs BAN Pitch and Weather Report: Bowler-Friendly Start, Clear Skies

Pitch Report – The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is renowned for its balanced surface, offering something for everyone in white-ball cricket. In ODIs, the pitch typically assists pacers with early seam movement under the floodlights, before transitioning into a spinner’s paradise as the game wears on. Average first-innings scores hover around 240-260, with teams batting first winning approximately 62-65% of matches—chasing sides succeed only 35-38% of the time due to dew factoring in later. The large boundaries (around 70-75 meters) reward well-timed strokeplay but punish mistimed shots, making it a medium-scoring venue overall. For this fixture, expect the track to start fresh and grippy, favoring cutters and slower balls from the seamers, while Rashid Khan and Tanvir Islam could dominate the middle overs.

Weather-wise, October in Abu Dhabi is peak autumn warmth, with temperatures ranging from 28-35°C (82-95°F) during the day, cooling slightly to 25-30°C by evening. Humidity will linger around 50-60%, but precipitation chances are negligible at 0%, ensuring a full quota of overs without interruptions. Clear skies and light southwest winds (10-15 km/h) should make for comfortable viewing, though players might need hydration breaks in the initial overs.

Both teams have robust squads, but selections will hinge on balancing experience with form. Afghanistan’s XI emphasizes their spin resources, while Bangladesh opts for a seam-spin mix to exploit early conditions.

Afghanistan Predicted XI

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2. Ibrahim Zadran
3. Sediqullah Atal
4. Rahmat Shah
5. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
6. Darwish Rasooli
7. Azmatullah Omarzai
8. Mohammad Nabi
9. Rashid Khan
10. Nangeyalia Kharote
11. AM Ghazanfar

Impact Sub: Ikram Alikhil / Mohammad Saleem Safi (This lineup features five spin options, including part-timers, to control the middle overs. Omarzai provides all-round balance, while Gurbaz’s aggression sets the tone up top.)

Bangladesh Predicted XI

1. Tanzid Hasan Tamim
2. Saif Hassan
3. Najmul Hossain Shanto
4. Towhid Hridoy
5. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c)
6. Jaker Ali (wk)
7. Shamim Hossain
8. Taskin Ahmed
9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
10. Tanvir Islam
11. Mustafizur Rahman

Impact Sub: Nurul Hasan / Hasan Mahmud (The debut for Saif Hassan adds freshness to the top order, with Miraz at No. 5 for stability. The pace trio of Taskin, Tanzim, and Fizz could be decisive early, backed by Tanvir’s left-arm spin.)

AFG vs BAN Match Prediction: Bangladesh Edges a Close Contest

This 1st ODI shapes up as a tactical affair, with Bangladesh’s recent momentum and superior head-to-head record giving them a slight edge. However, Afghanistan’s home advantage in the UAE and spin wizardry could keep it tight. We predict the team batting first will post 250-270, setting up a tense chase. Bangladesh to win by 20-30 runs if they bowl first, or by 4-5 wickets if chasing—though history favors the side setting a total here.

Key Players to Watch:

• Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (wickets in middle overs), Ibrahim Zadran (powerplay fireworks)
• Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (all-round impact), Taskin Ahmed (early breakthroughs