Tigers face Afghans in dead rubber

Host Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in their last group stage match of the tri-nation T20I series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Saturday, starting at 6:30pm.

Both teams have already qualified for the final, which will be played at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Tuesday.

Bangladesh took a day off from training Thursday after their convincing win against Zimbabwe a day earlier. 

The home team returned to training at ZACS Friday morning.

Spotlight was firmly on leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob and he lived upto the billing, bowling well on his debut in the last game. 

Young leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob is likely to be ruled out from the next game against @ACBofficials as he received three stitches in his left hand.https://t.co/5LJT1wuhoc#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BANGLADESHCRICKET #AMINULISLAMBIPLOB #BIPLOB #AMINUL #ACB

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 19, 2019

But unfortunately, he got injured during the match and later required three stitches on his left hand. 

The young bowler however, was seen bowling in the nets Friday. 

His chances of playing in the next game though are slim and in that case, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam is likely to be the possible replacement.

“He injured his left hand. Generally, a few days are needed to remove stitch. He has no chance to play [Saturday]. He just practiced [Friday] to be in rhythm,” said spin bowling coach Sohel Islam to the media Friday.  

Although it will be a dress rehearsal for the final, there are lots at stake for Bangladesh as they would definitely like to keep up the momentum after their last match. 

@Mustafiz90 became the quickest Bangladeshi to 50 T20I wickets during their fourth match of the tri-nation series against @ZimCricketv at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong Wednesday.https://t.co/Nn8DrqaF12#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BANGLADESHCRICKET

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 18, 2019

Following the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, Bangladesh have been struggling in all formats as they lost three ODIs away to Sri Lanka and the lone Test match against Afghanistan at home.

They then managed a narrow win against Zimbabwe in the first T20I before losing to Afghanistan comprehensively.

A win is needed to carry the momentum before the grand finale and that’s what the Tigers are aiming for in Saturday's game.

Rain might be a slight concern for Saturday's game as weather forecast predicts thunderstorm in the evening.