In the past, the team typically allocated around 25% of their focus on studying the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, with the remaining 75% dedicated to their own strategies. However, given their limited information about the Afghan players, they cannot control that aspect and need to rely on their own abilities.
Afghanistan last played a Test match in 2021 against Zimbabwe, and only four players from that squad remain. Notably, they have celebrated legspinner Rashid Khan, who performed impressively in their victory against Zimbabwe, as well as in their previous Test match against Bangladesh in 2019, where he took 11 wickets.
On the other hand, Bangladesh faces fitness concerns within their team. Captain Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out due to a finger injury, opener Tamim Iqbal has been dealing with a back issue, and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is awaiting a fitness declaration.
Afghanistan, despite having played only six Tests and winning three of them, doesn’t see their limited experience as a significant disadvantage. Coach Jonathon Trott mentioned that the team has prepared well and the players are excited to play a Test match in Bangladesh. Trott emphasized that the outcome of the match would depend on how well both teams perform on the day, irrespective of past records, favorites, or conditions.
