The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview has cricket fans buzzing with excitement. As the 9th Match in Group B unfolds at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, both teams are locked in a fierce battle for Super Fours spots. Afghanistan rides high after a dominant 94-run thrashing of Hong Kong, while Bangladesh aims to bounce back from a heartbreaking six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka. This clash isn’t just about points—it’s a showdown of spinning wizardry, explosive batting, and raw determination that could redefine Group B standings.
Imagine the tension: Rashid Khan’s googly bamboozling Bangladesh’s middle order, or Litton Das unleashing a captain’s knock to turn the tide. With dew likely playing a sneaky role under the lights, every decision—from toss to tactics—will count. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview dives deep into what makes this fixture a must-watch. Stick around as we break down squads, stats, and predictions to fuel your passion for the game.
For more on the tournament’s pulse, check out our Asia Cup 2025 schedule guide. And don’t forget to share your thoughts—who do you think will edge this thriller? Drop a comment below!
Match Details and Tournament Context
The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview wouldn’t be complete without laying out the essentials. This high-stakes encounter is the 9th Match of Group B, set for Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The action kicks off at 6:30 PM local time (2:30 PM GMT, 8:00 PM IST), giving fans across Asia prime evening viewing slots. Hosted at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the venue has already hosted thrilling openers like Afghanistan’s demolition of Hong Kong.
Umpires Faisal Afridi and Raveendra Wimalasiri will oversee the game, with Rohan Pandit as the third umpire and Richie Richardson as the match referee. In the broader Asia Cup 2025 context, this T20 tournament runs from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams split into two groups. The top two from each advance to the Super Fours, culminating in a grand final. Group B is a cauldron of competition: Sri Lanka leads with two wins, Afghanistan sits pretty with one emphatic victory, Bangladesh has a win and a loss, and Hong Kong is already on the ropes with three defeats.
Why does this matter? A win for Afghanistan catapults them to the top, boosting their net run rate (NRR) further. For Bangladesh, it’s do-or-die—their -0.650 NRR needs a lift to stay in Super Fours contention. Recent Group B results show no room for slip-ups; Sri Lanka’s chase against Bangladesh was clinical, while Hong Kong’s collapses highlight the gap between full members and associates.
Here’s the latest Group B points table as of September 15, 2025:
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.546 |
| 2 | Afghanistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4.700 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -0.650 |
| 4 | Hong Kong (E) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -2.151 |
(Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz)
The stakes are sky-high in this Asia Cup 2025 Group B showdown. Bangladesh’s top order faltered against Sri Lanka’s seamers, but their bowlers showed grit. Afghanistan, meanwhile, exploded for 188 against Hong Kong, a total that exposed the UAE pitches’ batting-friendly nature early on.
This match could swing Group B dynamics—will Bangladesh roar back, or will Afghanistan’s momentum prove unstoppable? Stay tuned; the drama unfolds soon!
Venue Guide and T20I Stats
Diving into the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium stands as a colossus in UAE cricket. Opened in 2004 and named after the UAE’s founding father, this 20,000-capacity arena in Abu Dhabi has hosted over 90 T20Is, blending modern facilities with a storied legacy. The North End and Pavilion End frame a vast outfield, perfect for big hits, but the long straight boundaries (around 72 meters) demand precision.
What makes it special? The stadium’s pitches offer true bounce initially, easing seamers, before slowing to favor spinners—a trait evident in Asia Cup 2025 so far. Dew creeps in during evening games, tilting chases. For fans, it’s a haven: air-conditioned stands, floodlit nights, and proximity to Abu Dhabi’s buzz.
Now, the numbers: Sheikh Zayed Stadium T20I Stats reveal a chaser’s paradise. Out of 93 T20Is, teams batting second have won 51 times, compared to 42 for first innings. The average first-innings score hovers at 136-173, with dew often inflating second-innings totals. Highest team score: 225/7 (South Africa vs UAE, 2019). Lowest: 70 (UAE vs Ireland, 2014). Rashid Khan owns the best bowling figures: 5/3 vs UAE in 2018.
In Asia Cup 2025, the venue has seen highs like Afghanistan’s 188/6 vs Hong Kong, but chases have dominated two of three games. Spinners average 6.5 economy, pacers 7.8—ideal for Afghanistan’s attack.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium T20I Records Table:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 93 |
| Batting First Wins | 42 (45%) |
| Chasing Wins | 51 (55%) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 155 |
| Highest Total | 225/7 (SA vs UAE, 2019) |
| Lowest Total | 70 (UAE vs IRE, 2014) |
| Best Bowling | 5/3 (Rashid Khan) |
| Asia Cup 2025 Avg Score | 176 (1st Innings) |
(Stats from ESPNcricinfo and Advance Cricket)
Did You Know? Azmatullah Omarzai’s 20-ball fifty vs Hong Kong is Afghanistan’s fastest T20I half-century, shattering Mohammad Nabi’s 21-ball record from 2017.
This ground has scripted upsets—could Bangladesh pull one off?
Timings, Live Streaming, and Broadcasting Details
No Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview is complete without knowing how to catch the action live. The toss happens at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT), with the first ball at 8:00 PM IST. Expect the match to wrap by 11:30 PM IST, barring interruptions—though clear skies mean a full game.
In India, Sony Sports Network dominates broadcasting: Tune into Sony Sports Ten 1/HD for English commentary, Ten 3/HD for Hindi, and Ten 4 for Tamil/Telugu. For streaming, Sony LIV and FanCode offer HD quality with multi-angle views (subscriptions from ₹299/month). Airtel and Jio users get bundled access via their apps.
Pakistan fans: PTV Sports and Ten Sports air it free; stream on Tamasha or Myco apps. In Bangladesh, Gazi TV (GTV) and T-Sports broadcast, with Toffee and Rabbithole for online viewing. Afghanistan: Moby TV/Lemar TV on TV, Sony LIV for streams.
Global options shine too: Willow TV for USA/Canada (Sling TV from $10/month), TNT Sports/Discovery+ for UK (£30.99/month), Fox Sports/Kayo for Australia, and CricLife Max/StarzPlay for UAE/Middle East. Free streams? Tamasha works via VPN for international fans.
Broadcasting Platforms Table:
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Sony Sports Ten 1/3/4/5 | Sony LIV, FanCode | ₹299+/month |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Tamasha, Myco | Free |
| Bangladesh | Gazi TV, T-Sports | Toffee, Rabbithole | Subscription/Free |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV | Sling TV, Willow App | $10+/month |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 | Discovery+ | £30.99/month |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo Sports | Subscription |
| UAE/ME | CricLife Max | StarzPlay | Subscription |
Pro tip: Use VPNs like ExpressVPN for geo-blocked streams. For highlights, official apps post-match.
Catch every boundary—grab your popcorn and stream live on Sony LIV! Who’s your go-to commentator? Let us know in the comments.
Toss Prediction and Impact
In the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview, the toss looms large at dew-prone Sheikh Zayed. Historically, 55% of T20Is here favor chasers, thanks to evening dew from the 10th over, which slicks the ball and neuters spin grip. Captains often bowl first to exploit early seam and set a defendable 170+.
Prediction: Afghanistan wins the toss (55% chance, given Rashid Khan’s luck) and bowls first. Their spinners (Rashid, Noor) thrive pre-dew, while pacers like Farooqi strike early. Bangladesh might counter with Taskin Ahmed’s swing, but dew tilts chases—70% success in dew-affected games since 2020.
Toss Impact: Crucial (60-70% game sway). Batting first needs 180+; chasing under dew favors aggressors like Litton Das. Recent Asia Cup tosses: All winners bowled first successfully.
For toss strategies, see our cricket toss tips. Will dew decide the hero? Vote in our poll below!
Pitch Report, Surface Analysis, and Dew Factor
The heart of any Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview is the pitch at Sheikh Zayed. This hard, dry surface starts with true bounce for pacers (first 6 overs: 8-9 RPO), then grips for spinners (middle overs: 6-7 RPO). Asia Cup 2025 trends: Scores 144-188, with 180+ par. Outfield slows play, rewarding rotators.
Surface Analysis: Batting-friendly overall, but cutters and variations key for bowlers. Spinners (60% wickets) dominate; pacers rely on death yorkers. Recent matches: Afghanistan’s 188 defended via spin choke.
Dew Factor: Hits hard post-9 PM local, skidding the ball and aiding chases (70% win rate). It hampers Rashid’s turn, favoring Bangladesh’s hitters. Impact: Neutralizes spin in death; teams bowl first to mitigate.
Favorable Conditions: 35-38°C day (28-30°C evening), 40-50% humidity, light winds. No rain; spin edges pace, but dew flips scripts.
Asia Cup 2025 Pitch Scores Table at Sheikh Zayed:
| Match | 1st Innings Score | Result (Chasing Wins) |
|---|---|---|
| AFG vs HKG | 188/6 | AFG won by 94 runs |
| BAN vs HKG | 144/7 | BAN won by 7 wkts |
| BAN vs SL | 170/6 | SL won by 6 wkts |
Did You Know? Two maiden overs at the start vs SL was only the second such in full-member T20Is (Zim vs WI, 2010).
Dew could crown the chaser king—thoughts?
Weather Forecast for Abu Dhabi
Weather sets the tone in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. On September 16, Abu Dhabi promises classic UAE conditions: Hot days cooling to balmy evenings. Daytime highs: 38-40°C, dropping to 28-30°C by match time. Humidity 40-50%, light winds (5-10 km/h)—ideal for uninterrupted play.
No rain (0% chance), ensuring a full quota. Dew arrives post-9 PM, slicking the pitch for chases. UV high daytime, but floodlights handle evenings perfectly.
Weather Summary Bullet Points:
- Temperature: 38°C day / 28°C evening
- Humidity: 40-50%
- Wind: 5-10 km/h (minimal impact)
- Rain: 0%
- Dew: Expected, favoring second innings
Clear skies mean focus on cricket. Perfect for a thriller!
Squad Analysis and Probable Playing XI
Squads steal the spotlight in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. Afghanistan’s lineup, led by Rashid Khan, blends firepower and guile. Their opener vs Hong Kong (188/6) showcased depth: Atal’s 73* and Omarzai’s 53 off 21. Strengths: Spin trio (Rashid, Noor, Ghazanfar) for UAE grips; batting firepower from Gurbaz, Zadran. Weakness: Top-order post-T20 WC powerplay woes (6.44 RR). Form: WLWWW. Injury: Naveen-ul-Haq out (shoulder); Abdullah Ahmadzai replaces.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Impact Subs: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Bangladesh, captained by Litton Das, balances all-rounders but top-order fragility hurts. Win vs Hong Kong (7 wkts chasing 144) pleased, but SL loss exposed ducks from openers. Strengths: Litton’s 357 runs @140 SR; Taskin’s 14 wkts in 5. Weakness: Rishad’s post-WC slump (21 wkts @9.07 econ); fielding drops. Form: LWWLW. No injuries.
Probable XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Impact Subs: Saif Hassan, Nasum Ahmed.
Squad Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Afghanistan Strengths | Bangladesh Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Depth | Gurbaz (explosive opener), Omarzai (all-round fire) | Litton (anchor), Hridoy (middle-order stability) |
| Bowling Attack | Spin-heavy (Rashid 19 wkts @6.67) | Pace duo (Taskin 14 wkts, Mustafizur cutters) |
| Recent Form | WLWWW (94-run win vs HK) | LWWLW (7-wkt win vs HK) |
| Key Weakness | Powerplay RR 6.44 | Top-order ducks vs SL |
Afghanistan’s spin could choke Bangladesh—excited for the XI reveals?
Players to Watch and Key Matchups
Stars shine bright in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. Litton Das (BAN): Captain’s form is gold—357 runs in 10 @44.63 avg, 140 SR. Vs Rashid: Dismissed twice; his sweep could unlock doors.
Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): All-round sensation; 53 off 21 vs HK (fastest AFG T20I 50). Vs Litton: 2 dismissals in 4; his cutters threaten.
Rashid Khan (AFG): 19 wkts in 9 @6.67 econ; 17 vs BAN @5.53. Wrist-spin nightmares for BAN batters.
Taskin Ahmed (BAN): 14 wkts in 5 @7.59; 2/3 vs Gurbaz. Early swing king.
Sediqullah Atal (AFG): 73* vs HK; 251 runs in 8 @128 SR. Attacks pacers.
Shamim Hossain (BAN): 42* vs SL; middle-order rescuer vs spin.
Key Matchups Table:
| Matchup | Stats | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Taskin vs Gurbaz | 2 dismissals in 3 inns | BAN |
| Mustafizur vs Omarzai | 3/4 dismissals | BAN |
| Omarzai vs Litton | 2/4 dismissals | AFG |
| Rashid vs BAN Batters | Majority struggle vs wrist-spin | AFG |
Quote: “Rashid is our trump card,” says Afghanistan coach.
Who steals the show? Predict below!
Head-to-Head Stats and Records
History fuels rivalry in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. In 12 T20Is, Afghanistan leads 7-5. Asia Cup: AFG 1-0 (2022: 8-wkt win). Neutral venues: AFG 4-2.
Last 5: AFG 3-2 (latest: AFG 8 runs DLS, Jun 2024 T20 WC).
H2H Stats Table:
| Stat | AFG Wins | BAN Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overall T20Is | 7 | 5 |
| Last 5 Matches | 3 | 2 |
| Asia Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Highest AFG Total vs BAN | 167/8 | – |
| Lowest AFG Total vs BAN | 72 | 98 |
Rashid: 17 wkts vs BAN @5.53. Litton: 150+ runs @130 SR vs AFG.
Did You Know? Rashid’s 17 wkts vs BAN is most in H2H.
AFG’s spin edges—can BAN flip the script?
Recent Performances and Team Form
Form guides the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. Afghanistan (WLWWW): Sep 9 vs HK—Won 94 runs (188/6; Atal 73*, Omarzai 53; Ghazanfar 3/20). Sep 7 vs PAK (Tri-Series Final)—Lost 75 runs. Sep 5 vs UAE—Won 4 runs. Sep 2 vs PAK—Won 18 runs. Sep 1 vs UAE—Won 38 runs. Buoyant, but powerplay tweaks needed.
Bangladesh (LWWLW): Sep 13 vs SL—Lost 6 wkts (170/6 chased). Sep 11 vs HK—Won 7 wkts (chased 144; Litton 59). Sep 3 vs NED—NR. Sep 1 vs NED—Won 9 wkts. Aug 30 vs NED—Won 8 wkts. Bowling steady, but top-order ducks hurt.
Recent Matches Table:
| Team | Last 5 (Most Recent) | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | W L W W W | 94-run win vs HK (Asia Cup) |
| Bangladesh | L W W N R W | 7-wkt chase vs HK (Asia Cup) |
AFG’s momentum vs BAN’s resilience—who blinks first?
Winning Prediction and Key Factors
Our Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview ends with a bold call: Afghanistan wins by 15-20 runs (if batting first) or 5-6 wkts (chasing), 55-45 favorites. Why? Spin dominance on gripping pitches, H2H edge (7-5), and form (WLWWW vs LWWLW). Rashid/Noor could strangle BAN’s middle; dew aids their chase.
Key Factors Bullet Points:
- Spin Mastery: Rashid’s 17 wkts vs BAN @5.53
- Batting Fire: Omarzai/Atal vs fragile BAN top-order
- Dew Tilt: 55% chase wins; bowl first strategy
- NRR Boost: AFG’s +4.700 vs BAN’s -0.650
Upset if Litton blasts 70+ and Taskin grabs early wickets.
Who wins? Comment your pick—AFG or BAN?
Quick Queries Answered
Where to watch Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 live? In India: Sony Sports Network TV, Sony LIV/FanCode streaming. Pakistan: PTV Sports/Tamasha. Bangladesh: Gazi TV/Toffee. Global: Willow TV (USA), TNT Sports (UK).
What’s the pitch like at Sheikh Zayed Stadium? Balanced: Early bounce for pacers, later grip for spinners. Avg 1st inns: 155. Dew favors chases (55% wins).
Who are key players for BAN vs AFG? Litton Das (BAN: 357 runs @140 SR), Rashid Khan (AFG: 19 wkts @6.67), Omarzai (AFG all-round).
Toss prediction for BAN vs AFG? Afghanistan bowls first (dew factor); 55% chase success.
Weather for September 16 in Abu Dhabi? 28-30°C evening, no rain, dew expected.
Head-to-head record? AFG 7-5 BAN in T20Is; AFG won last (8 runs DLS, 2024).
Got more? Comment below!
Final Thoughts on BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2025
Wrapping the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview, this Group B gem promises fireworks. With Afghanistan’s spin web and Bangladesh’s fightback spirit, the September 16 clash at Sheikh Zayed could be the tournament’s turning point. Litton Das needs fireworks, Rashid Khan guile—dew might just crown the chaser.
Don’t miss it: 8:00 PM IST on Sony LIV. For the full Asia Cup 2025 schedule, head here. Who’s your winner? Share predictions, like, and subscribe to IPL Star for more cricket magic. Let’s make this conversation roar!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview
1. What is the date and time for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview in Group B?
The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview focuses on the 9th Match in Group B, scheduled for September 16, 2025. The toss is at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT), with play starting at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time in Abu Dhabi). This timing ensures evening viewing for fans across Asia, heightening the excitement for this crucial Group B encounter.
2. Where is the venue for BAN vs AFG 9th Match in Asia Cup 2025 Group B?
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview The match takes place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This 20,000-capacity venue, known for its North End and Pavilion End, has hosted 93 T20Is with a chasing win rate of 55%. In our Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview, we highlight its balanced pitch that favors spinners later in the game.
3. What is the Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch report for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch report indicates a hard, dry surface with early bounce for pacers and grip for spinners in middle overs. Average first-innings score: 155. Dew factor post-9 PM local aids chasers, as noted in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview. Par score: 170-180 for batting first.
4. How to watch live streaming of Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match?
For live streaming of Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025, Indian fans can use Sony LIV or FanCode (₹299/month). Pakistan: Tamasha (free). Bangladesh: Toffee. Global: Willow TV (USA) or Kayo Sports (Australia). TV options include Sony Sports Network in India, as detailed in our comprehensive match preview.
5. Who are the probable playing XI for Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025 Group B?
Afghanistan’s probable XI from the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi. Unchanged from their Hong Kong win, emphasizing spin strength.
6. Who are the probable playing XI for Bangladesh in BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2025?
Bangladesh’s probable XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Changes include Taskin returning, as per the Asia Cup 2025 Group B preview analysis.
7. Who are the key players to watch in Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview?
Key players include Litton Das (BAN: 357 runs @140 SR), Rashid Khan (AFG: 19 wkts @6.67 econ), and Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG all-rounder). Matchups like Taskin vs Gurbaz add thrill, as highlighted in our detailed Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview.
8. What is the head-to-head record in BAN vs AFG T20Is for Asia Cup 2025?
In 12 T20Is, Afghanistan leads 7-5 over Bangladesh. In Asia Cup: AFG 1-0. Last five: AFG 3-2. Rashid Khan has 17 wickets vs BAN, a key stat from the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview.
9. What is the toss prediction and weather forecast for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Toss prediction: Afghanistan wins and bowls first due to dew (55% chase wins). Weather: 28-30°C evening, no rain, 40-50% humidity in Abu Dhabi. Dew expected, favoring second innings, as analyzed in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B preview.
10. Who is predicted to win in Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview?
Afghanistan is favored 55-45 in our prediction, thanks to spin dominance and form. Bangladesh could upset if Litton Das shines. Key factors: Dew and H2H edge, making this a must-watch in Asia Cup 2025 Group B.