By Krishna Dua 
Can Bangladesh Pull Off Upset vs Afghanistan Today?
As the cricket world turns its attention to the high-stakes encounter between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, a sense of anticipation hangs in the air. While Afghanistan, with their recent history of dominance and a squad packed with world-class talent, are widely considered the favorites, the question on every fan’s mind is whether Bangladesh can pull off a major upset. This match is more than just a game; it’s a test of resilience for a Bangladeshi side that has often been the underdog and a chance for Afghanistan to cement their status as a global cricketing force. The pitch is set, the players are ready, and on September 16, 2025, we will get the answer.
Afghanistan’s Formidable Strengths and Recent Success
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Their journey from a gritty, determined side to a consistent and feared T20 force is a testament to their talent and hard work. Their biggest strength lies in their spin attack, which is arguably one of the best in the world. The likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad can single-handedly change the course of a match with their variations, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability. The trio’s ability to bowl in tandem puts immense pressure on opposition batsmen, especially in the middle overs where scoring becomes difficult.
Their batting lineup is equally impressive. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai provide explosive starts at the top, while the likes of Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi are reliable middle-order batsmen who can both anchor the innings and hit big. The team has a good mix of power and finesse, making them a well-rounded unit. Afghanistan’s recent form, marked by strong performances against some of the top cricketing nations, has instilled a winning mentality in the squad. They are a confident team that knows how to handle pressure.
Bangladesh’s Challenge and Potential for an Upset
For Bangladesh, this match is a huge opportunity to prove their capabilities on a big stage. They are often seen as a team that can perform well in bursts but struggles with consistency. Their hope of an upset rests on several key factors. First and foremost, their experienced players must step up. The likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah have played in countless high-pressure matches and know what it takes to perform when the odds are stacked against them. Their leadership and ability to absorb pressure will be crucial.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack has also shown promise. Fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have the ability to pick up early wickets, which is essential to put Afghanistan’s batting under pressure. In the spin department, the team will rely heavily on Shakib Al Hasan and other spinners to counter Afghanistan’s formidable attack. The key for Bangladesh will be to stick to their plans, remain disciplined, and not succumb to the pressure. A strong start in the powerplay, both with the bat and the ball, will be critical.
Key Match-Ups to Watch
The outcome of this match will likely be decided by several key individual battles:
- Rashid Khan vs. Bangladesh’s Middle Order: Rashid Khan’s leg-spin is a game-changer. His ability to bowl quick, deceptive googlies and accurate leg breaks will be a massive challenge for the Bangladeshi middle order. If they can manage to play him out without losing too many wickets, they will have a good chance of posting a competitive total.
- Bangladesh’s Pace Attack vs. Afghanistan’s Openers: The explosive opening pair of Afghanistan, Gurbaz and Zazai, love to attack from the get-go. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, Taskin and Mustafizur, will need to be on top of their game to get early breakthroughs and prevent Afghanistan from getting a flying start.
- Shakib Al Hasan vs. Mohammad Nabi: This is a clash of two of the world’s best all-rounders. Both players are vital to their respective teams, providing runs in the middle order and crucial wickets with their spin. The performance of these two veterans will have a significant impact on the final result.
Pitch and Conditions Report
The pitch is expected to be a balanced one, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. The early part of the innings might see some movement for the fast bowlers, while the spinners will come into play as the pitch wears down. A total of around 160-170 could be a competitive one. The weather is predicted to be clear with no chance of rain, ensuring a full 20-over match.
Conclusion and Prediction
While Afghanistan enters the match as the clear favorite due to their exceptional spin attack and explosive batting, an upset is not out of the question. Bangladesh has the experienced players and the potential to cause a major stir. However, they will need to be at their absolute best in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—to win against a well-oiled Afghan machine.
For Bangladesh to win, they must:
- Take early wickets to put pressure on Afghanistan’s strong batting lineup.
- Neutralize the threat of Rashid Khan in the middle overs.
- Have their experienced players deliver with both bat and ball.
While a win for Bangladesh would be a fantastic story, based on recent form and team balance, Afghanistan is more likely to win this contest. However, if Bangladesh can perform to their full potential, they have a genuine chance to surprise everyone and pull off a memorable upset. The battle lines are drawn, and the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.