Bangladesh’s assistant coach, Nic Pothas, believes that Bangladesh will gain long-term benefits from facing Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack in the ongoing three-match one-day series. Afghanistan has already secured victories in the first two matches, becoming the second team in the past seven years to win an ODI series in Bangladesh, with the other being world champions England.

Praising the Afghan spinners, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi, Pothas acknowledged their world-class abilities. The spin trio has played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s success, sharing 11 wickets between them in the first two matches. According to Pothas, no other team possesses three high-quality spinners who consistently challenge the opposition.

Pothas expressed optimism that facing such a high level of spin bowling will improve Bangladesh’s overall performance. He emphasized that the experience gained from confronting this level of spin will prepare them to face any team, especially with the World Cup approaching in October.

As the third match looms, Bangladesh faces the risk of being whitewashed at home for the first time since their 3-0 defeat to Sri Lanka in 2014. In the previous matches, Bangladesh’s batsmen encountered difficulties against the Afghan spinners, resulting in scores of 169/9 and 189 all out.

Afghanistan’s bowling coach, Hamid Hassan, also praised left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi for his crucial breakthroughs and six-wicket haul in the series. The team has high hopes for Farooqi, considering him as a key bowler for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup campaigns.

After the ODI series, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will compete in two Twenty20 matches in Sylhet, Bangladesh’s northeastern city, scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

The two teams will meet again in their opening World Cup match on October 7 in India.