Bangladesh tumbled for 115 for nine in 20 overs in the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, but the hosts failed to respond well. Openers, Munim Shahriar and Mohammad Naim posted seven runs in the first wicket partnership. Munim, who got a chance in the national team for his ability to hit the ball cleanly, failed to prove his mettle in the first two chances. Also read: Bangladesh bat first in Mushfiqur’s 100th T20I Mushfiqur Rahim, who is playing his 100th T20I as only the second Bangladeshi cricketer after Mahmudullah Riyad, scored 30, the highest by any Bangladeshi batter in this match. Mahmudullah Riyad, the Bangladesh captain, scored 21, the second-highest runs in this innings by a Bangladeshi batter. Mohammad Naim and Liton Das were the other two batters to have scored a double-digit total— 13 each. Afghanistan bowled superbly. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi continued to shine taking three wickets conceding 18 in four overs while right-arm pacer Azmatullah Omarzai has also bagged three wickets conceding 22 in four overs. Also read: BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Can Bangladesh Whitewash Afghanistan in Twenty20 Series? Bangladesh won the first match by 61 runs at the same venue.

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. Read BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Bangladesh Seek Resurgence in Twenty20 Format 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. Read BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Players to Watch 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. Read BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Bangladesh Aim to Leapfrog Afghanistan in ICC Rankings 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.   Read ICC Test Championship: SA maintain fourth position after series draw against NZ 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.  Read BAN vs AFG 2022: Notable T20I records between Bangladesh vs Afghanistan

The T20I series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is predicted to be enthralling given that the visitors have a better record against the hosts in the Twenty20 format. Both sides will be keen to win the series in order to show their capabilities to the rest of the cricket world. Therefore, big names of either side will be ready to show their true potential during the 2-match series. Take a look at the five players who are expected to perform well in the BAN vs AFG T20I series 2022. Five Important Players in BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022 Both the Bangladesh and Afghanistan squads have a few genuine world-class T20 players. Five key players who might have a significant impact on the series are discussed in this article. Let's have a glance at their international T20 career statistics. Mustafizur Rahman T20I Stats: M: 61 | Wkts: 86 | BBI: 5/22 | Ave: 19.51 | Econ: 7.63 | 5W: 1 Mustafizur Rahman's bowling is ideal for Bangladesh conditions. His main weapon, a lethal and deceptive off-cutter delivery, works well in Mirpur pitches, where the BAN vs AFG T20I series will be staged. He has the ability to check the run flow and make important breakthroughs when required. Therefore, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be one of the most crucial players in the series. Read BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Bangladesh Aim to Leapfrog Afghanistan in ICC Rankings Mujeeb Ur Rahman T20I Stats: M: 22 | Wkts: 32 | BBI: 5/20 | Ave: 15.87 | Econ: 6.04 | 5W: 1 A highly talented Afghanistan off-spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has established himself as one of the most sought-after spinners in the T20 format. The tall spinner is a skilled bowler who uses tight lines and lengths to put pressure on the opposition batters. He has become a household name in twenty20 franchise competitions all over the world because of his wicket-taking ability. Mujeeb's spell will be key for Afghanistan during the series. Rashid Khan T20I Stats: M: 56 | Wkts: 103 | BBI: 5/3 | Ave: 12.73 | Econ: 6.20 | 5W: 2 The presence of Rashid Khan on a squad adds to concern on the opposition side, as the dynamic leg-spinner knows how to utterly dismantle batting lineups. Rashid Khan's leg spin is more effective in the shortest format of the game. Because batters have fewer opportunities to adapt with his bowling in limited-overs cricket. As a result, batters have to take risks against Rashid in order to increase the run rates, allowing Rashid to capture wickets. The Afghan maestro will surely play a pivotal role in the series. Read ICC Test Championship: SA maintain fourth position after series draw against NZ Mohammad Nabi T20I Stats: M: 86 | Runs: 1523 | HS: 89 | SR: 143.27 | 50s: 4 | Wkts: 73 | BBI: 4/10 | Ave: 27.95 | Econ: 7.24 | 4W: 3 The Afghanistan team's most experienced player is Mohammad Nabi. He is a true breakthrough bowler as well as a highly aggressive batter in the batting order. Nabi is the captain of the Afghanistan team, which comes with additional responsibilities. Overall, Nabi's cricketing intellect will be vital for the visiting side throughout the series. Shakib Al Hasan T20I Stats: M: 94 | Runs: 1,894 | HS: 84 | SR: 120.48 | 50s: 9 | Wkts: 117 | BBI: 5/20 | Ave: 19.79 | Econ: 6.66 | 5W: 1   The best all-rounder in the world, Shakib Al Hasan did not play in the Pakistan series in November. Bangladesh's performance in the series was a complete letdown without him. Therefore, Shakib's return to the squad will boost the confidence among the players during the series. Shakib will be crucial for Bangladesh to win this bilateral T20I series, especially against a tough Afghanistan team. Read BAN vs AFG 2022: Notable T20I records between Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Aftermath The five players named above are some of the well-known names in T20 cricket around the world. They have the capacity to play better under pressure and can win games for their respective teams on their own. Therefore, both teams will be eagerly anticipating their performances in the BAN vs AFG T20I series in 2022. Their on-field performances will surely captivate the stadium crowds, as BCB has chosen to sell out the entire Mirpur Stadium seating capacity tickets for the series. 

Bangladesh set a number of new records during their spectacular triumph over Afghanistan in the first ODI of a three-match series in Chattogram on Wednesday, (February 23). The most records were made when Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz batted in the middle for the 7th wicket while pursuing Afghanistan's 215 runs. The pair put up an undefeated 174*-run stand to help Bangladesh win the match by 4 wickets. Take a look at the records that Bangladesh set in the opening match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022. First Match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022: Noteworthy Records for Bangladesh Several notable incidents occurred during the first ODI match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Both teams had their moments in the game, but Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's partnership surpassed all expectations. A significant number of records were broken during that stand. Here are some of Bangladesh's notable achievements in the match. 150 International Catches for Mahmudullah Riyad Mahmudullah Riyad snatched his 150th international catch for Bangladesh during the first ODI of the Afghanistan series. He had to play 364 games to reach the milestone. Shakib Al Hasan has 99 catches in 369 matches, Tamim Iqbal has 98 catches in 358 matches, Soumya Sarkar has 90 catches in 143 matches, and Mashrafe Mortaza has 80 catches in 308 matches, making the top five. Read: We didn't expect a win after losing six wickets early: Tamim Bangladesh’s Best ODI Innings at no.7 Left-handed middle-order batter, Afif Hossain delivered a fascinating unbeaten 93*-run knock against Afghanistan, easing Bangladesh's victory. He stepped in at no. 7 when Bangladesh were 28/5 in 7.4 overs and produced that remarkable innings. Afif shattered Mahmudullah Riyad's record of 75* at no.7 with that knock. Other players in the top five are Khaled Mashud (71*), Mushfiqur Rahim (59), and Alok Kapali (55). Bangladesh’s Best ODI Innings at no.8 Right-handed middle-order batter, Mehidy Hasan Miraz smashed an undefeated 81*-run innings against Afghanistan, securing a historic victory for Bangladesh. He came in at no. 8 when Bangladesh were 45/6 in 11.2 overs and produced that incredible knock. With that knock, Miraz broke Naeem Islam's record of 73* at no.8. Nasir Hossain (63), Sabbir Rahman (53), and Mashrafe Mortaza (51*) make the top five. Read:1st ODI: Imperious Afif, Mehidy guide Tigers to surprise victory vs Afghanistan Second Highest ODI partnership for the 7th Wicket Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's unbroken 174*-run partnership was the second-best for the 7th wicket in ODI history. In 2015, England's Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid made the highest 177-run seventh-wicket stand against New Zealand. The 127-run partnership between Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Saifuddin against Zimbabwe in 2018 is placed fifth on the list. The best match-winning partnership after losing five wickets The 174*-run match-winning stand between Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the seventh wicket was the best successful run chase partnership in ODI history after losing five wickets. Read:Bangladesh restrict Afghanistan to 215 in 1st ODI Way Forward Bangladesh were highly predicted to win the first match of the series. However, no one could have imagined that Afif and Miraj would lead Bangladesh to such a memorable win. They handed Bangladesh cricket fans a spectacular triumph by breaking multiple records in the match. Everyone was taken aback by Afif's tenacity and astute batting. Besides, Miraj's first focus was on giving Afif a strong company in order to build a big partnership. Miraj went on to play some fantastic strokes later on. Bangladesh were saved from certain defeat in the first match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022 because of these two's fantastic batting performances. Read BAN vs AFG 2022: Attainable Milestones for Bangladesh Players in the Afghanistan Series

The ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is extremely important in terms of securing a direct entrance to the 2023 ICC World Cup. Team management and players from both teams will play with more enthusiasm in order to perform better in the series. Therefore, the premier members of the team should deliver the expected performances. Because it's usual for top players to find their stride in major events. Who would have been the game-changers in this series? Let's take a look at the five players that have the potential to make a significant impact on the BAN vs AFG ODI series. Bangladesh-Afghanistan ODI Series 2022: Five Players to Watch There are a few genuine world-class cricketers in both the Bangladesh and Afghanistan teams with the ability to influence the outcome of a game. The top five players among them are discussed in this article. Let's have a look at their ODI career stats on the international stage. Shakib Al Hasan ODI Stats: M: 215 | Runs: 6600 | HS: 134* | Ave: 37.93 | 100s: 9 | Wkts: 277 | BBI: 5/29 | Ave: 29.44 | Econ: 4.44 | 5W: 3  There is no denying that Shakib Al Hasan's presence in the Bangladesh lineup makes a huge difference. His presence boosts the players' confidence, and he has the capacity to relieve the strain on the other players. He is presently the leading wicket-taker in the Bangladesh-Afghanistan ODI contest with 18 wickets in seven ODIs. Therefore, Shakib will undoubtedly make a difference in the series for Bangladesh. Read:BAN vs AFG T20I Series 2022: Bangladesh Squad Announced for Afghanistan Series Rashid Khan ODI Stats: M: 77 | Runs: 1040 | HS: 60* | Ave: 20.39 | 50s: 5 | Wkts: 146 | BBI: 7/18 | Ave: 18.49 | Econ: 4.16 | 5W: 4 Rashid Khan is a world-class leg-spinner with the ability to bat aggressively in the last overs. While he is a capable batsman, it is his bowling that international cricketers fear the most. Rashid Khan's leg-spin has been one of the most frightening to batters in recent years. Rashid will surely be the main source of concern for Bangladesh's batters all through the series. Tamim Iqbal ODI Stats: M: 219 | Runs: 7666 | HS: 158 | Ave: 36.85 | 100s: 14 Bangladesh require an anchor batter who can bat deep through the innings to the end. Captain Tamim Iqbal is the perfect fit for the job. Bangladesh's most reliable opener has performed this role for nearly a decade and will continue to do so in the ODI series against Afghanistan. He has a strong record against Afghanistan in ODIs. Tamim has a 54.60 batting average and has scored 273 runs in 5 innings. He will definitely be a game-changing player for Bangladesh in the series. Read:BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022: Bangladesh Start as Favourites Mohammad Nabi ODI Stats: M: 127 | Runs: 2817 | HS: 116 | Ave: 27.61 | 100s: 1 | Wkts: 132 | BBI: 4/30 | Ave: 33.12 | Econ: 4.30 | 5W: 0  Mohammad Nabi is a seasoned all-rounder who will be crucial to Afghanistan's progress in the series. Nabi bowls well in the middle overs and may provide crucial breakthroughs when needed. Nabi is an aggressive batter in addition to his bowling. The Afghanistan team will be hoping to see Mohammad Nabi at his best during the BAN vs AFG ODI series 2022. Mustafizur Rahman ODI Stats: M: 68 | Wkts: 127 | BBI: 6/43 | Ave: 22.83 | Econ: 5.19 | 5W: 5 The left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman has become one of the best-known limited-overs bowlers in international cricket over the last 5/6 years. His bowling style will pose a concern for Afghanistan's top order as well as in the death overs. Therefore, Mustafizur Rahman has the potential to be a true game-changer in the series. Read BAN vs AFG 2022: Attainable Milestones for Bangladesh Players in the Afghanistan Series Way Forward The five players mentioned above are all capable of performing on the field without being pressured. They usually play an essential role in the success of their team. These players will definitely shine for their team in this limited-overs series. It is hoped that their outstanding performance would not only influence the outcome of the BAN vs AFG ODI series 2022 but also bring joy to cricket fans.