Sharjah hosts the first T20 as both teams test their strength ahead of the 2026 Cricket World Cup.
Sharjah, UAE | By Mashal Zeerak
The opening match of the three game T20 International series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh gets underway today at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with both sides aiming to build form and confidence in the lead-up to the 2026 Cricket World Cup.
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan underlined the importance of the series for his side’s development after a mixed Asia Cup campaign. “This is about more than just results, it’s about finding the right balance, giving players clarity in their roles, and preparing ourselves for the World Cup stage,” Rashid told reporters.
Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for progress. “We want to use this series to focus on execution and consistency. Afghanistan is always a tough opponent, and we respect their strength in spin. But we are confident in our batting unit,” he said.
The contest is expected to pit Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack, led by Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, against Bangladesh’s aggressive batting lineup. Cricket analysts suggest the Sharjah pitch could assist spinners in the later overs, making toss and team selection pivotal.
Fans in Afghanistan and Bangladesh are watching closely, with broadcasters describing the series as a “mini rehearsal” for the global tournament. Afghan supporters, particularly, are eager to see Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Ahmad shine alongside established stars.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in Asian cricket over the past decade, with several close finishes in both T20s and ODIs. Their last bilateral T20 series in 2022 ended in Afghanistan’s favor. With the 2026 Cricket World Cup in focus, both teams are expected to experiment with lineups, test younger players, and fine-tune strategies under competitive pressure.