Match: 1st Youth ODI
Series: Afghanistan Under-19s tour of Bangladesh (5-match series)
Date: October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 8:00 AM Local Time (7:30 AM Afghanistan Time)
Venue: Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogra, Bangladesh
Match Number: YODI #1595
Toss: Not yet known
Series Context
This marks the beginning of a five-match Youth ODI series between Bangladesh U19 and Afghanistan U19. The series runs from October 28 to November 9, 2025, with matches in Bogra and Rajshahi. The first two matches will be played in Bogra, while the final three fixtures will be held in Rajshahi.
Both teams are using this series as preparation for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Expected Playing XIs
Note: Official playing XIs have not been confirmed yet. The lineups below are based on recent squad announcements.
Bangladesh U19 (Likely XI)
Source: Bangladesh Cricket Board squad announcement (bdcrictime.com)
- Opening batsman (TBD)
- Opening batsman (TBD)
- Zawad Abrar -Vice-captain
- Azizul Hakim Tamim -Captain
- Samiun Basir Ratul – Batter
- Rizan Hossain – Batter
- Debashis Sarkar Deba -Wicketkeeper
- Al Fahad – Bowler
- Iqbal Hasan Emon – Bowler
- Rafi Uzzaman Rafi – Bowler
- Farid Hasan Faysal – Bowler
Squad members also available: Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Sanjid Mojumder, Shariar Al Amin, Farjan Ahmed Alif, Mohammad Abdullah, Rifat Beg, Shadhin Islam
Afghanistan U19 (Likely XI)
Note: Official squad for this series not yet published
Based on recent Afghanistan U19 squads, likely players include:
- Noman Shah (Wicketkeeper)
- Hizbullah Durrani
- Naseer Khan Maroofkhil
- Captain (TBD)
- Allah Ghazanfar (Bowler)
- Bashir Ahmad (Bowler)
- Khalel Ahmad (Bowler)
- Other squad members TBD
Official confirmation pending from Afghanistan Cricket Board
Players to Watch
| Team | Batters | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh U19 | Azizul Hakim Tamim (c) – Led Bangladesh to U19 Asia Cup 2024 title with 240 runs in the tournament. Strong all-rounder who can change games.<br><br>Zawad Abrar (vc) – Scored 302 runs in the recent series against Sri Lanka U19, showing excellent form. | Al Fahad – Took 12 wickets in the Sri Lanka U19 series, leading the bowling attack.<br><br>Iqbal Hasan Emon – Claimed 13 wickets in the U19 Asia Cup 2024, forming a dangerous partnership with Al Fahad. |
| Afghanistan U19 | Players pending official squad announcement. Afghanistan has traditionally strong batting talent at youth level. | Allah Ghazanfar – Right-arm bowler who has been part of recent Afghanistan U19 squads.<br><br>Bashir Ahmad – Featured in recent squads as a key bowling option. |
Venue Information
Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra was one of five purpose-built cricket grounds established for the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. The ground has field dimensions of 175m x 140m with a total capacity of 18,000.
The venue primarily hosts domestic cricket and is known for producing competitive pitches. Expect a balanced surface that offers something for both batters and bowlers.
Weather: Late October in Bogra typically features pleasant conditions with moderate temperatures. No rain is expected (conditions to be confirmed closer to match day).
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Bangladesh U19 recently defeated Afghanistan U19 by 45 runs in the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024. In that match, Bangladesh posted 228/9 in 50 overs before bowling out Afghanistan for 183.
In their head-to-head record, Bangladesh U19 has won 2 games while Afghanistan U19 has won 1. However, youth cricket can be unpredictable, and both teams will be eager to start the series strongly.
What to Expect
This opening match sets the tone for the five-match series. Bangladesh U19 will have home advantage and enter as favorites based on their recent Asia Cup triumph. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim has proven leadership qualities, having captained Bangladesh to a 3-2 series win against Sri Lanka U19 earlier in 2025.
Afghanistan U19 will look to bounce back from their Asia Cup defeat. The Afghan squad departed Kabul on October 20 and participated in a week-long conditioning camp in Bangladesh before this series opener, so they should be well-prepared.
Key factors:
- Batting first advantage: The team winning the toss may look to bat first and post a competitive total
- Spin will play a role: Both teams have quality spin options
- Youth unpredictability: Expect exciting cricket as young players look to make their mark
Prediction
Bangladesh U19 start as favorites playing at home with strong recent form. Their balanced squad, led by the in-form Azizul Hakim Tamim and featuring match-winners like Zawad Abrar and Al Fahad, gives them an edge. However, Afghanistan U19 has shown they can compete at the highest level.
Predicted Winner: Bangladesh U19 (60-40 advantage)
Expect a competitive match that could go either way. The team that handles pressure better in crucial moments will likely emerge victorious.
Sources: Ariana News, bdcrictime.com, ESPNcricinfo, BSS News, myKhel, Sportskeeda
Note: Playing XIs will be updated once officially confirmed. Check back closer to match time for final team announcements.