Tag Archives: wicket-keeper

AFG vs BAN, 3rd ODI: Preview and stats

**3rd ODI: Dominant Afghanistan Eye Historic Series Whitewash Over Bangladesh**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025 | 09:51 pm*

Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to lock horns in the 3rd and final ODI at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan side has dominated the series so far, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead after the first two games. In the second ODI, Afghanistan bowled Bangladesh out for just 109 runs while successfully defending a modest total of 190.

With the series already in their pocket, Afghanistan now eye their maiden ODI series whitewash. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have nothing more to lose and will look to salvage some pride in the final match.

### Match Preview

**Pitch Report and Conditions**
The pitches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium are generally slow, making it challenging for batters to hit boundaries consistently. While pacers get some movement early on, spinners tend to play a crucial role throughout the match. The conditions are expected to be hot once again, with no signs of rain disrupting the game.

### Teams Overview

**Afghanistan’s Bowling Strength**
Afghanistan’s success so far can largely be attributed to their bowlers. Azmatullah Omarzai has been impressive with six wickets in the series, while Rashid Khan made history with a five-wicket haul in the 2nd ODI. Despite their strong bowling performances, Afghanistan’s batting has struggled during the middle overs.

**Bangladesh’s Batting Woes**
Bangladesh continue to face challenges in finding consistent contributors in their batting line-up. Their top order faltered in the second ODI, which resulted in a disappointing defeat.

### Team News

**Afghanistan XI Update**
Rahmat Shah will miss the final ODI due to injury. Darwish Rasooli is expected to replace him in the middle order.

Probable Afghanistan XI:
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper)
– Ibrahim Zadran
– Sediqullah Atal
– Darwish Rasooli
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Mohammad Nabi
– Rashid Khan
– AM Ghazanfar
– Nangeyalia Kharote
– Bashir Ahmad

**Bangladesh Probable XI:**
– Tanzid Hasan
– Saif Hassan
– Najmul Hossain Shanto
– Towhid Hridoy
– Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain)
– Nurul Hasan (wicket-keeper)
– Jaker Ali
– Rishad Hossain
– Tanzim Hasan
– Tanvir Islam
– Mustafizur Rahman

### Notable Stats and Facts

– Rashid Khan is finally at his best, having taken eight wickets in the first two ODIs. He achieved a milestone in the 2nd ODI by becoming the leg-spinner with the second-most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
– Afghanistan’s score of 190 in the 2nd ODI remains the lowest first innings total in 55 matches played at Abu Dhabi.
– The Afghan cricket team is on the verge of recording their first-ever series whitewash in ODI cricket.

The stage is set for an exciting finale as Afghanistan look to seal a historic 3-0 series victory against a struggling Bangladesh side. Fans can expect a thrilling contest at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/afg-vs-ban-3rd-odi-preview/story

‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri

**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.

### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,

*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*

The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.

### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,

*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*

Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.

He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*

### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney

Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.

### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.

**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story