Nurul Hasan expects Afghanistan to demand spin-friendly pitches in ODI tri-series

Nurul sees spin as Afghanistan’s likely ODI advantage

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan expects Afghanistan to rely on their spin attack and seek turning conditions in the upcoming ODI tri-series in the UAE, also featuring Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan are expected to lean on spin in the ODI tri-series

Afghanistan have used a pace-heavy attack in the ongoing one-off Test, but their ODI squad includes Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar and Nangyali Khan. Nurul said he expects the side to play to its strengths: “I 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.”

Bangladesh eye title and a confidence boost

Nurul also welcomed the inclusion of mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam, saying his presence could be valuable for Bangladesh when playing overseas. He said the team’s aim was to reach the final and win the competition.

“We have two big tournaments in the ODI format, the Asia Cup and then the World Cup. So I think it's 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,” Nurul said.

Bangladesh’s ODI squad members left Dhaka for the UAE on Tuesday to join the players taking part in the Test against Afghanistan. The tri-series is scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on October 17.

Nurul acknowledged the UAE heat but said both sides would face the same conditions. “It's a little hot, but I think it'll be equal for both teams. So we'll try to adjust as much as we can through whatever capability we have,” he said.