AFG vs BAN Super Eights preview: Semifinal spot at stake in Asian face-off

AFG vs BAN: Live score and ball-by-ball commentary

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Today's T20 World Cup match preview

Afghanistan v Bangladesh, Super Eights
Where: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent
When: June 24, 08.30pm local time

It all comes down to this. One final match before the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup get underway, and one spot is up for grabs. Afghanistan's fate remains in their own hands, and making it to the final four would be an incredible achievement. Depending on the result of India v Australia, they will know whether winning is enough or a specific margin of victory is required.

Bangladesh are all but out of the tournament, but if India beat Australia, they stand a mathematical chance of qualifying for the semifinals with a thumping win over Afghanistan. If not, they still stand a chance of having a say in the tournament by potentially crushing Afghanistan's dreams. Party poopers, unlikely semifinalists, pushovers — there's no telling what Bangladesh will be come the end of this match.

T20 World Cup results: Who won yesterday's match?

England v United States: England won by 10 wickets with 62 balls remaining

West Indies v South Africa: South Africa won by 3 wickets with 5 balls remaining

AFG vs BAN: Who are the key players?

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

No team in this tournament has been as reliant on their openers as Afghanistan have. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is especially important to this team for his ability to maintain a good scoring rate throughout the innings. In a match where semifinal qualification is (mathematically) still on the table for both teams, his performance could make the difference. It could all depend on whether Afghanistan bat first or second, though. Gurbaz averages close to 35 in the first innings of T20Is, but just 18 in the second innings.

Mustafizur Rahman

Despite Bangladesh's iffy campaign, Mustafizur Rahman has enjoyed a solid tournament with the ball. He did not have good outings against Australia and India, but on a Kingstown surface that has gripped and offered turn to the spinners, his cutters could come in very handy. If India beat Australia handsomely, Mustafizur will have the chance to help his team sneak into the final four.

AFG vs BAN team news

Afghanistan

Afghanistan have no new injury concerns. In terms of team composition, they are unlikely to change anything given they beat Australia at this same venue less than 48 hours ago. That was a lineup which gave them nine bowling options, so many that Nangeyalia Kharote and Noor Ahmad bowled just one over each as Gulbadin Naib stole the show with the ball.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh dropped vice-captain Taskin Ahmed against India, in order to play the extra batter in Jaker Ali. Back at a bowler-friendly venue, Taskin should return to the team. Apart from that, we should see more or less the same XI.

AFG vs BAN: Predicted playing 11

Afghanistan

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

Bangladesh

Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pitch report and ground conditions

A picturesque stadium, the straight boundaries at the Arnos Vale Ground are roughly 70 metres long. The square boundaries are relatively short, measuring roughly between 60-65 metres. This is offset somewhat by the nature of the wicket, which has offered significant turn, especially in the night matches so far. In addition, as with several Caribbean venues, the wind direction will have to be taken into account by both sides.

Team form (Most recent first)

Afghanistan: WLLWW

Bangladesh: LLWWL

Odds and match prediction

According to Dafabet, Afghanistan are favourites to win this match.

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