Cricket fans have been treated to a thrilling contest between Bangladesh and Afghanistan this October, with both teams showcasing their strengths across formats. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has just unveiled its 16-member squad for the eagerly anticipated three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, set to light up the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi later this month. The squad announcement comes hot on the heels of Bangladesh's impressive T20I series victory over Afghanistan, a result that has injected fresh momentum and optimism into the Tigers' camp.
Bangladesh’s ODI squad, announced on October 4, 2025, remains largely consistent with the lineup that faced Sri Lanka earlier in the year. However, there are two notable absentees: Liton Das, who continues to recover from a side strain, and Parvez Hossain Emon, who has been left out for this tour. Liton’s absence is particularly significant, as he also missed the T20 series against Afghanistan—a series Bangladesh clinched with back-to-back victories, underscoring their depth and adaptability.
Replacing them, right-handed batter Saif Hassan, aged 26, earns his maiden call-up to the ODI setup. Saif’s inclusion is a reward for his string of impressive performances in recent T20 internationals. His ability to anchor the top order and play with composure under pressure could prove invaluable as Bangladesh look to maintain their winning ways in the UAE.
The ODI series is scheduled for October 8, 11, and 14 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, a venue known for its even contests between bat and ball. Five members of the squad—Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, and Nahid Rana—had already traveled to the UAE by early October, getting a head start on acclimatizing to the desert conditions. However, not everything has gone smoothly: left-handed opener Naim Sheikh and Soumya Sarkar are both awaiting visa clearance, delaying their departure and potentially impacting the team’s preparation.
Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the series reads as follows: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. The continuity in selection reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in the core group, while the inclusion of Saif Hassan signals a willingness to reward form and inject new energy where needed.
This squad announcement follows Bangladesh’s recent success in the T20I series against Afghanistan, where the Tigers claimed a 2-0 series win. In the decisive second T20I, held under clear skies and a balmy 27.3°C with 79% humidity, Afghanistan batted first and posted a competitive total of 147 runs in their 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghan charge with a steady 38 off 37 balls, ably supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brisk 30 from 22 deliveries. For Bangladesh, Nasum Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, snapping up two key wickets to stem the Afghan momentum.
Chasing 148 for victory, Bangladesh’s batters showed composure and calculated aggression. Opener Shamim Hossain stole the limelight with a lively 33 off 25 balls, setting the tone for the chase. The Tigers crossed the finish line in the 19th over, winning by two wickets and sealing the series with a game to spare. The pitch offered a fair contest, with a balance between pace and spin, and an average score hovering around 150—a statistic that played out almost perfectly in the match.
Among the standout performers, Azmatullah Omarzai of Afghanistan put up a valiant all-round display, scoring 19 runs and claiming four wickets, making him a player to watch for the upcoming ODIs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, too, impressed with his 30 runs at a strike rate of 136, showing the kind of intent that can turn matches on their head.
The probable playing XI for Bangladesh in the T20I series included Jaker Ali (captain), Nurul Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, M Saifuddin, Mohammad Parvez Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam. The bench strength featured Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, highlighting the depth at the selectors’ disposal.
The Tigers’ ODI preparations, however, are not without a few headaches. The delayed visa clearances for Naim Sheikh and Soumya Sarkar could disrupt the team’s plans, especially as both players are considered key options at the top of the order and in the all-rounder slots. The coaching staff and fans alike will be hoping for a swift resolution to these administrative hurdles.
On the Afghan side, the probable ODI lineup is expected to feature Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan (captain), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Abdullah Ahmadzai. The bench includes Mohammad Ishaq, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Farid Malik, and Bashir Ahmad, offering a blend of youth and experience.
The ODI series promises to be a fascinating contest. Bangladesh will look to build on their T20I success and test their new-look lineup, particularly with Saif Hassan’s debut in the format. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back and prove their mettle in the longer white-ball format, especially with players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi capable of turning the tide at any moment.
As the cricketing action shifts to Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt to the conditions and manage their resources. The Zayed Cricket Stadium’s balanced pitch is likely to reward disciplined bowling and smart batting, making strategy and execution key. With the series opener just days away, anticipation is building—can Bangladesh continue their winning run, or will Afghanistan stage a comeback in the ODIs?
The stage is set for another chapter in this growing rivalry. With both squads boasting a mix of established stars and exciting newcomers, fans can expect closely fought games, tactical battles, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. The ODI series kicks off on October 8, and cricket lovers around the world will be watching closely as the Tigers and the Afghans go head-to-head in the desert heat.
