Sports

Afghanistan to host Bangladesh for three-match ODI series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Sunday that Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in November 2024.

All matches are scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though specific venues are yet to be finalized.

Originally, both teams expressed interest in playing three T20 Internationals and two Test matches in addition to the ODIs. However, they mutually agreed to focus solely on the 50-over format to prepare for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The series will kick off on November 6 with the first ODI, followed by the second on November 9, and the final match on November 11.

Confirmed schedule:

November 6, 2024: 1st ODI – UAE (Venue TBD)

November 9, 2024: 2nd ODI – UAE (Venue TBD)

November 11, 2024: 3rd ODI – UAE (Venue TBD)

Afghanistan’s rise in form

Afghanistan has emerged as a formidable force in international cricket throughout 2024. The team reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the knockout stage of an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, before losing to South Africa.

More recently, Afghanistan made headlines by defeating South Africa 2-1 in a historic ODI series held in Sharjah, defying expectations and continuing their rise in the sport.

Following the Bangladesh series, Afghanistan is scheduled for an all-format tour of Zimbabwe in December 2024. This series will be crucial for Afghanistan as they look to sharpen their skills ahead of major international tournaments, including the Champions Trophy.