As the players walked off the Sharjah Cricket Stadium under the lights on Monday, the Bangladesh team couldn’t ignore the truth any longer. For the second consecutive ODI series, Afghanistan had defeated them - a team that, not long ago, was the spirited underdog, fighting to be taken seriously.
As the players walked off the Sharjah Cricket Stadium under the lights on Monday, the Bangladesh team couldn’t ignore the truth any longer. For the second consecutive ODI series, Afghanistan had defeated them - a team that, not long ago, was the spirited underdog, fighting to be taken seriously.
But now, that underdog has become the superior side. Afghanistan have climbed steadily over the years, but 2024 has marked a different ball game, with Afghanistan winning every ODI series they played - against the likes of South Africa and Bangladesh - and even reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals by beating Bangladesh, a stage that still feels like a distant dream for the Tigers.
The latest ICC rankings, published on Tuesday, only confirmed what Bangladesh could see on the field. Afghanistan had pushed ahead, moving to eighth place while Bangladesh slipped to ninth.
Bangladesh’s failure in the 2023 ICC World Cup was an eye-opener. Afghanistan won more matches and came close to reaching the semifinals, likely missing out only because of a historic knock by Glenn Maxwell, one of the most epic innings in the history of the game.
ODI format was once regarded as Bangladesh’s favorite due to their rise over the last decade
They beat a number of formidable sides in the 50-over format, but T20 cricket has remained elusive, even after nearly 20 years in the format and when it came to playing the shorter format cricket against the Afghans, Bangladesh mostly struggled considering their opponent had more experience by playing different franchise leagues across the world.
Recently, the Tigers have found themselves in a precarious position, especially in 50-over cricket as it continues to evolve rapidly.
Afghanistan, in contrast, have developed at remarkable speed, building an identity around aggressive, fearless cricket that contrasts sharply with Bangladesh’s more conservative approach. While Bangladesh have relied heavily on experience and stability, Afghanistan’s game is fueled by raw power and relentless ambition - an approach proving effective in modern white-ball cricket.
Afghanistan’s rise from underdog to genuine white-ball powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable, with 2024 marking a breakthrough year.
No longer satisfied with merely competing, Afghanistan set out to redefine their place in world cricket, and their accomplishments this year show just how far they’ve come. By winning the series over Bangladesh, they confirmed that their victory over South Africa in September was no fluke.
And their meteoric rise is no accident, either.
It was visible in Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott’s speech after the series victory against Bangladesh.
"These things are hard to come by. Just remember how hard we worked for these things, and enjoy them. Remember how good it feels in here. That's why we win. That's why we spend extra time in the gym. That's why you get to sleep on time. That's why we eat healthy. When we put ourselves under pressure in practice, or fielding practice, when we are under pressure there, we can survive, we know what to do. We think clearly," Trott told the Afghan players in the dressing room.
Bangladesh’s recent performances highlight a key issue: their struggle to keep pace with Afghanistan’s adaptability.
Afghanistan’s players approach each game with a fearless mindset, often overpowering Bangladesh in key areas like middle-order stability and death-over bowling. Bangladesh’s strategy, while reliable, lacks the explosive energy and innovative tactics that Afghanistan have brought to the field.
These challenges leave Bangladesh at a crossroads. The team’s experienced core is aging, with many players nearing retirement. Though these veterans were instrumental in reaching new milestones, it’s becoming clear that Bangladesh will need fresh blood and a revamped strategy to stay competitive.
The rivalry with Afghanistan, more than anything, has served as a wake-up call, revealing the areas where Bangladesh must adapt if they hope to return to a position of strength.
The tables have surely turned in white-ball cricket, especially in the 50-over format.
Once a rivalry dominated by Bangladesh, the momentum now lies firmly with Afghanistan. They are the better side, equipped with more firepower and potential.
And that’s the reality Bangladesh has to accept. They have the opportunity to fight back, to innovate, and to reclaim their place. But can they seize it?
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