Abu Dhabi, Oct 09 (V7N)- Bangladesh are set to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking the Tigers' first-ever Test appearance on UAE soil.
The match is scheduled to begin at 12 noon Bangladesh time as Najmul Hossain Shanto's side look to build on their recent success in Test cricket. The fixture is part of Afghanistan's multi-format home programme in the United Arab Emirates.
Bangladesh head into the contest after a historic tour of Australia, where they recorded their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. Although Australia levelled the two-match series, the result offered Bangladesh encouragement ahead of the Afghanistan challenge.
Shanto is expected to play a key role with the bat, while Afghanistan will look to their experienced bowling attack to exploit conditions in Abu Dhabi. The pitch and hot weather could test the players' endurance over the five-day contest.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan have met twice in Test cricket, with each side winning once. Afghanistan secured a 224-run victory in Chattogram in 2019, while Bangladesh responded with a commanding 546-run win in Mirpur in 2023.
The upcoming match is not part of the World Test Championship, but it provides both teams with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the longest format.
For Bangladesh, the match also marks a new challenge: adapting to playing a Test at a neutral venue outside their traditional home conditions.
The Tigers will aim to deliver a disciplined performance with both bat and ball, while Afghanistan will seek to make the most of their familiarity with conditions in the UAE.
END/SMA/AJ
