The first T20I match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan will begin at 3 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) on Thursday. With only a few hours until the first match of the series, both sides are making the finishing touches on their preparations. Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh will try to outsmart their opponents in terms of strategy. Therefore, who will be playing in the match is important in terms of strategy. Let's have a look at the predicted Bangladesh playing XI for the first T20I of the BAN vs AFG Series 2022.   

First T20I of BAN vs AFG Series 2022: Probable Bangladesh Playing XI

The Bangladesh team management should make a final decision on whether or not to give opener Munim Shahriar his international debut. If he plays, Yasir Ali and Mohammad Naim may not be included in the playing XI for the first match. However, Mushfiqur's fitness is a source of concern. If he is unable to play, Yasir and Naim can partake in the series-opening match. Captain Mahmudullah may choose Mahedi Hasan over Nasum Ahmed in the bowling department. Bangladesh may also field three pacers in this match. Here is Bangladesh's expected lineup for the series-opening match against Afghanistan.

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Openers: (Liton Das, Munim Shahriar)

If Mushfiqur Rahim does not play, Liton Kumar Das is almost certain to open Bangladesh's batting in the first match. Munim Shahriar, who is expected to make his national team debut, might be his opening partner. Munim had a standout performance for Fortune Barishal in the BPL 2022, and all eyes are on him to maintain his fine form with the bat for the national team as well.

If Munim does not make the playing XI, Mohammad Naim may be added. In that case, Naim and Liton will start the innings. According to sources, Munim, Naim, and Liton all may play in the match if Yasir Ali is unable to make the cut in the playing XI.

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Number Three Position (Shakib Al Hasan)

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's ace all-rounder, will bat at number three. However, if Liton, Munim, and Naim are picked in the playing XI, he might come in at number four.

Middle Order: (Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Yasir Ali)

Mushfiqur Rahim's fitness is questionable due to a minor injury. Wicket-keeper, Nurul Hasan has been named as Mushfiqur's backup. However, Nurul may not be selected for the first match. Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah, and Yasir will most likely bat in the middle order for Bangladesh in this match.

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Lower Middle Order: (Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan)

The participation of Afif Hossain and Mahedi Hasan in the opening match is almost certain. Afif's job would be to accelerate the run rates in the death overs. On the other hand, Captain Riyad favours Mahedi over Nasum as the second spinner for the playing XI.

Lower-Order: (Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam)

Bangladesh are expected to use three front-line pacers in the opening encounter against Afghanistan. If that happens, Shoriful, Taskin, and cutter-master Mustafizur are the obvious three choices.  

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Aftermath

If Munim Shahriar makes his T20 debut for Bangladesh, all eyes will be on him. Besides, Naim, Yasir, and Afif must seize the opportunity to cement their spots on the Bangladesh team. Mahedi Hasan did not live up to his full potential in the BPL 2022. He must step up when the captain expects him to deliver. Mustafiz, Taskin, and Shoriful must be accurate with their bowling to keep the run flow of Afghanistan's innings in control. However, senior players will have to shoulder most of the responsibility in order to win the first T20I of the BAN vs AFG series 2022. 

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