Bangladesh will look to secure a series victory against Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE on Monday.

The match, set to begin at 4 PM (Bangladesh time), will serve as the series decider after both teams notched up a win each in the first two encounters.

The Tigers suffered a crushing 92-run loss in the opening match, crumbling from a strong position to lose eight wickets for just 23 runs. However, they rebounded impressively in the second game, securing a 68-run victory—Bangladesh`s first-ever win at Sharjah since they first played there in 1990.

The toss is expected to be crucial, as both previous matches saw the team batting first win convincingly. Yet, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized the need for an all-around improved performance, especially with the bat.

“While the win feels good, we still have room for improvement,” Shanto remarked post-match. "I probably need to bat a bit longer on these spin-friendly wickets and value my wicket more. We need to focus on building innings properly."

Shanto`s 76-run innings was pivotal in the second game, while Nasum Ahmed`s all-round performance also stood out. Nasum contributed 25 crucial runs and took 3-28 with his left-arm spin, outshining Afghanistan’s renowned spin attack. Mehidy Hasan Miraz supported well, claiming two wickets with his off-spin. The early breakthrough from Taskin Ahmed, who dismissed Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, further set the tone for Bangladesh`s bowling effort.

Reflecting on their bowling success, Shanto said, "Miraz and Nasum bowled brilliantly, and Taskin’s early wicket of Gurbaz was crucial. We executed our plans well."

Bangladesh currently holds an 11-7 win-loss record against Afghanistan in 18 ODIs. The Tigers previously boasted an unbeaten streak in bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan until their 2-1 defeat in Chattogram in July 2023. A win on Monday would prevent a second consecutive series loss to their regional rivals and provide a much-needed boost after a turbulent period for the team.

Shanto expressed confidence in maintaining momentum. “The way Jaker Ali finished the second game was outstanding. We hope to carry that form into the decider,” he added.

Bangladesh are expected to retain the same lineup that brought them victory in the second match. Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, will look to bounce back and claim the series.

Bangladesh Squad:
Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudullah Riyad, Touhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Afghanistan Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (Vice Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.