Who: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
What: ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights Group 1
When: Monday, June 24, 8:30 pm local time (00:30 GMT, June 25)
Where: Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, Kingstown, Saint Vincent
How: Follow Al Jazeera’s live coverage

Afghanistan enters their final Super Eights match knowing that a significant victory over Bangladesh in Saint Vincent could secure them a historic place in the ICC T20 World Cup semifinals.

As Rashid Khan's team steps onto the field on Monday night, they will be aware of the exact requirements for advancement, given that the India vs Australia game will have concluded earlier in the day.

Coach Jonathan Trott believes having this knowledge will be advantageous.

“To know exactly what the scenario is and then what’s needed to win, that’s always a nice feeling,” he said following their victory over Australia on Saturday night.

After an emotional 21-run win against Australia at the same venue two days prior, Afghanistan aims to replicate that success and secure a more decisive win against a less formidable Bangladesh team.

The men in blue have lost only two of their six matches in the tournament, while Bangladesh has lost three of their six across the group stage and Super Eights.

Key players Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi lead the tournament's run-scorers and wicket-takers charts, respectively.

Despite their slim chances given their two Super Eight losses, Bangladesh is determined to challenge Afghanistan.

“In every single game of cricket that you play, you’re looking to compete and we absolutely will compete,” Bangladesh assistant coach Nic Pothas said after their loss to India on Saturday.

“We have had success against Afghanistan in the past so we are looking to finish the tournament on a high.”

How can Afghanistan qualify for the semifinals?

*Updated following India’s 24-run win over Australia

In light of India’s victory over Australia, Afghanistan simply needs to defeat Bangladesh to secure a direct spot in the semifinals.

Pitch condition and toss

The Arnos Vale Cricket Ground pitch has produced low-scoring games by modern T20 standards. Wickets have been shared evenly between pacers and spinners, depending on each team's strengths.

In the four matches held at this scenic venue, all captains who won the toss opted to field first. Interestingly, every toss-winning team ended up losing the match.

Weather forecast

The weather in Saint Vincent could influence the match, with predictions of cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and scattered showers.

Eastward winds might impact both bowling and batting conditions as the stadium sits by the beautiful Caribbean coastline.

Head-to-head

In their head-to-head record, Afghanistan has won six of the 11 T20 matches, while Bangladesh has won five.

Their last encounter in the format was in July 2023, with Bangladesh winning a home T20 series 2-0. Their only T20 World Cup meeting happened in March 2014, with Bangladesh securing a nine-wicket victory in Mirpur.

Form guide

Afghanistan started the tournament confidently, winning three of their four group-stage matches.

Afghanistan: W L L W W
Bangladesh: L L W W W

Afghanistan team news

Afghanistan is expected to field the same team that has brought them close to the semifinals.

Squad: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Hazratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Bangladesh team news

Bangladesh may give Soumya Sarkar a chance in what is likely their last tournament match.

Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.