Tigers need more than victory to reach final

Bangladesh’s bid to end a seven-year wait for a tri-nation One Day International title has suffered an early setback, leaving them needing not only a victory over Afghanistan but also a favourable net run rate to reach the final.

After winning four consecutive bilateral ODI series, the green and red have lost their momentum, first losing an ODI series in Zimbabwe and then suffering a 99-run defeat in the opening match of the tri-series in the United Arab Emirates.

The Blue Tigers moved closer to the final with a 158-run victory over Zimbabwe on Monday night. Bangladesh must now adapt to the conditions. Afghanistan in Wednesday’s final league match and overhaul Zimbabwe’s net run rate to keep their campaign alive.

Afghanistan have a net run rate of 3.160 after two matches, while Zimbabwe stand at 0.590. Bangladesh, who have played only once, are at -1.980. The equation is clear: if Bangladesh bat first, they must beat Afghanistan by at least 41 runs. If they chase, they will need to reach the target with a sufficient run-rate advantage.

No team has officially secured a final berth, but Afghanistan remain in the strongest position and could still qualify despite losing to Bangladesh. Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah said his team had prepared: “We have already discussed and prepared for the conditions there. Whether it is a Test or an ODI, we adapt to the conditions. We will prepare accordingly, depending on whether they favour spinners or pacers, and try to give our best,” he said.

Bangladesh’s ODI record against Afghanistan is level, with both teams winning 11 of their 22 meetings. However, Bangladesh are without their full-strength squad and will also be wary of last year’s 3-0 series whitewash in Abu Dhabi.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan was instrumental in that series, taking 11 wickets in three matches. He has claimed 35 wickets in 19 ODIs against Bangladesh at an BCB boss seeks to restore Bangladesh’s confidence reasons behind their series defeat in Zimbabwe. average of 19.22, making him a major threat again.

Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, however, urged the team to focus on smaller targets rather than become distracted by the net run rate calculations. “It is definitely a matter of mindset. Instead of thinking about scoring 300 or 350, setting smaller targets makes the task easier. Consistency and mindset are very important. If we have both, we can perform well even in difficult situations,” Tanzid said on Tuesday.

He also stressed the importance of playing as a unit and expressed hope that discussions within the team would translate into positive performances on the field. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz could return against Afghanistan after missing the opening match due to a viral fever.

He has scored 481 runs at an average of 43.72 and taken 12 wickets against Afghanistan in ODIs. His return would strengthen Bangladesh’s balance as they attempt to negotiate a difficult qualification equation.