ODI World Cup:<\/b> Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan expects Afghanistan to rely on their spin resources during the ODI tri-series featuring Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, which begins in Abu Dhabi on October 17, as the teams prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking to reporters before departing for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, Nurul backed Bangladesh to compete for the title while identifying the conditions and the return of Afghanistan\u2019s leading spinners as key factors in the contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan have opted for a pace-oriented attack in their ongoing one-off Test, but Nurul believes their approach could change in the limited-overs competition with Rashid Khan and other specialist spinners returning to the setup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think they (Afghanistan) will try to back their strong zone and their spin attack (in the ODIs) is good. So I feel they may opt for a little bit more spinning wicket,\u201d Nurul told reporters at the airport before departing for the UAE, as quoted by Cricbuzz.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan\u2019s 15-member ODI squad includes Rashid, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar and Nangyali Khan, giving the side several spin options for the tri-series. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will have mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam available, a development Nurul believes could strengthen their bowling attack, particularly in overseas conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAliss has been doing well for a long time and I definitely think that is good for the Bangladesh team. Having a mystery spinner like that when we play abroad, I think every team has some bowlers (mystery) like him and I feel that can be a very good aspect for the Bangladesh team from that point of view,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond the tactical battle, Nurul made it clear that Bangladesh would be travelling with the ambition of winning the competition. With two major ODI assignments on the horizon, he views the tri-series as an opportunity to build momentum and establish confidence within the squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think that if we play as a team, we should play the final and become champions,\u201d said Nurul. \u201cWe have two big tournaments in the ODI format, the Asia Cup and then the World Cup. So I think it\u2019s a good platform and if we can do well here the confidence will also be boosted up ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The UAE\u2019s hot weather presents another challenge for the touring side, particularly after conditions became a talking point during Afghanistan\u2019s ongoing Test. However, Nurul stressed that both teams would face similar circumstances and that Bangladesh would need to adapt rather than use the heat as an excuse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little hot, but I think it\u2019ll be equal for both teams. So we\u2019ll try to adjust as much as we can through whatever capability we have,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The UAE\u2019s hot weather presents another challenge for the touring side, particularly after conditions became a talking point during Afghanistan\u2019s ongoing Test. However, Nurul stressed that both teams would face similar circumstances and that Bangladesh would need to adapt rather than use the heat as an excuse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n