Asia Cup 2018: 5 areas at which Bangladesh should look against Afghanistan

Bangladesh started off their Asia Cup campaign on a positive note against Sri Lanka in the first match of the tournament as they beat the islanders by a big margin of 137 runs.

Now, the Tigers are all set to face one of the most promising teams in the world cricket right now, Afghanistan, who beat Sri Lanka as well and made their way to the Super Four stage along with Bangladesh from group B.

Afghanistan outplayed Sri Lanka in all the departments of the game. They were very mature while batting and strategic while bowling. Afghanistan's performance against Sri Lanka came as a wake-up call for all the other top teams ahead of their Super Four-games.

Bangladesh should address some areas during their next game against Afghanistan. We have tried to find out those areas here:

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#5 Bangladesh have to break the opening pair of Afghanistan quickly

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: South Africa v Afghanistan

Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat are the openers for Afghanistan. While Shahzad is now an international cricketer with experience of 9 years, Ihsanullah started off his international career two years back.

This pair played a pivotal role to beat Sri Lanka in their first match of this year's Asia Cup. They added 57 runs on the board in 11.4 overs, that advanced Afghanistan in the contest.

Bangladesh should break this pair as early as possible in their next outing.

#4 Mashrafe has to use his bowlers with a great plan

New Zealand v Bangladesh - 2nd ODI

Maybe Afghanistan batsmen are not much experienced to play at the highest level of cricket, but their ability to bat against Asian bowlers are not too far. They are seriously skilled against spin bowling.

Lasith Malinga was successful against Bangladesh as he took four wickets after making his return to ODI cricket. But, he had to struggle to take a single wicket against Afghanistan. He just took a wicket conceding 66 runs in the match. That is enough to prove the ability of Afghanistan batsmen.

So, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza should use his bowlers with a great plan against Afghanistan. There is no chance for them to see Afghan batsmen either as inexperienced or incapable outplay Bangladeshi bowlers.

#3 Bangladesh bowlers have to interrupt Afghanistan from playing big shots

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: South Africa v Afghanistan

Most of Afghanistan batsmen like Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran are known for their big-hitting ability.

Shahzad played 24 ODIs during the last 24 months where he scored 625 in a strike-rate of 83.33 while is career strike-rate is more than 89. Najibullah Zadran appeared in ODIs in the same period and scored 407 with a strike-rate of 91.66.

So, stopping the Afghan batsmen from playing big shots will be one of the main jobs for Bangladeshi bowlers in their last match before the Super Four stage of the tournament.

#2 Bangladesh top order have to show strong premise to perform

1st Momentum ODI: South Africa v Bangladesh

Alongside the bowling line, Bangladeshi batsmen also should be aware to overcome Afghan challenge. Especially, Bangladesh top-order should step up this time. They were rudderless against Sri Lanka as they lost two main batsmen in the first over that was bowled by Lasith Malinga.

Bangladeshi top order will play against Afghanistan without their premium batsman Tamim Iqbal, who was ruled out from the tournament after being hit by a bouncer of Suranga Lakmal.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto, a 20-year-old left-handed top-order batsman will replace Tamim at the top of the order against Afghanistan. He should play a crucial role to ensure powerful production by Bangladesh top-order. Shakib Al Hasan should erase all the speculation that arose surrounding him by smashing a big knock.

If Bangladesh top-order ensure a mighty show, they will have all chances to become group B champion before heading into the Super Four stage.

#1 And finally Bangladesh have to play Afghan-spinners with great care

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: South Africa v Afghanistan

Afghanistan spin arsenal will be the main threat for Bangladesh like they were against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lost their last bilateral series against Afghanistan being unable to play their spinners.

Bangladesh batsmen should play them with the great care. If they fail to do so, Afghanistan can win the match comfortably. Having Sri Lanka game as an example, Bangladesh batsmen should start planning right now.