Afghanistan have been hot on Bangladesh’s heels for the better part of the last decade. This year they are locked at 2-2 after Afghanistan won the bilateral ODI series in Chattogram 2-1, but later Bangladesh beat them by a handsome margin in the Asia Cup. The two sets of players respect each other, but the gloves will be off in the World Cup opener for the two sides in Dharamsala on Saturday.
Bangladesh had a somewhat disappointing 2019 tournament, they came in with high expectations and an experienced squad but won just three of their eight matches - they will look to begin their campaign against an Afghan side that struggle for regular ODI fixtures.
Afghanistan have to shed their tag of big tournament underperformers. They didn’t win any games in the 2019 World Cup, so going better than that is a bottom line requirement this time round.
History
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have faced each other in 15 matches in One Day Internationals. Afghanistan have won 6 while Bangladesh have won 9.
