The final match of the opening stage of the Asia Cup sees Bangladesh taking on Afghanistan in Group B. This was meant to be a straight knockout after Sri Lanka had already beaten both sides but it has worked out the complete opposite of that.
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in their opening match and then Afghanistan followed their lead and took care of them as well so we are left with our dreaded dead rubber for the second day in a row. What makes this game even worse is both are back in action on Friday.
Bangladesh
It was all too easy for Bangladesh in their opening match of the competition, but Sri Lanka were so poor that we might only find out the true potential of this team in this match. In saying that given that there is nothing competitive on this game it is more likely that we will find out all about them in the Super Fours on Friday.
One thing that was a positive for Bangladesh in their opening match was how they recovered from a disastrous start to the game. That showed good poise and a coolness under pressure which the good teams have. I don’t think their bowlers will have it easy again for the remainder of the tournament but time will tell in that regard.
Afghanistan
You would have to say that Afghanistan were in complete control of their opening match of the tournament too. It should be recognised that Bangladesh had piled the pressure on Sri Lanka for that match but that was of no concern to Afghanistan who were ruthless in their demolition job of the much more established nation.
As with Bangladesh, we are probably going to learn more about Afghanistan in the next stage but one thing we do know is their spin trio are going to become more of a threat the longer this tournament goes on and the pitches being to tire and start taking more extravagant turn. If they can repeat their first batting effort and put on a few more runs towards the end do not rule this lot out by any means.
Team News
We know Bangladesh will be forced into one change with Tamim Iqbal done for the tournament with the injury he picked up in the opening game. Nazmul Hossain Shanto looks like replacing him. There is a chance Mushfiqur Rahim and Mashrafe Mortaza could be rested for the contest.
Afghanistan might choose to rest one or two of their squad too given that they play again on Friday but winning momentum might be more important to them rather than Bangladesh given that they are still climbing the global ladder.
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Betting
As regulars will know I don’t like betting on dead rubbers, especially the match outcome, but I have to admit the temptation to back Afghanistan is certainly there particularly if players like Rahim and Mortaza are rested but that is for nearer the game time. In the meantime there is one bet I like.
Rashid Khan is an absolute superstar and his performance line of 40.5 doesn’t look nearly high enough to me. In 46 bowling innings only five times has he not taken a wicket and three of those were in his first 12 outings. In 2018 his wicket output is crazy. In 16 matches he has three or more wickets in eight games so he is covering this line with wickets half the time he bowls. He might well get to the crease in this match and we’ve seen how good a fielder he is. He has seven wickets in three ODIs against Bangladesh in his career and eight wickets in three T20s which were earlier this year. Whether it is through wickets, runs or catches I’m confident he covers 40.5pts.
Tips
WON – Back R.Khan’s Performance – Over 40.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
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