Tigers face Afghan challenge

Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup campaign from Group B when they take on the high-flying Afghanistan team at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium today. The match is scheduled to begin at 8 pm [BST].

It will be a tough challenge for Shakib Al Hasan and his troops to progress into the top four from their group, where Afghanistan started off in a confident fashion, having beaten Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the tournament opener on Saturday.

In the previous nine meetings between the two sides, Afghanistan have won five while Bangladesh won three games, with one match abandoned.

Apart from the spin threats of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as the X factor in Afghanistan's pace-bowling department.

The 21-year-old remained instrumental with the new ball against the Lankans as Farooqi bagged three wickets upfront with his lethal swinging deliveries, zipping both ways.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be eyeing to regroup under their new leader in Shakib. It will be crucial for the Tigers' think-tank to come up with an effective approach in the flagship event following a string of poor performances in the shortest format of late.

Apart from Shakib, the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad are expected to provide vital experience in the line-up. However, players such as Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mohammad Saifuddin will also have to raise their game on the big stage.