Marc Skinner's side shipped three first-half goals to effectively put the game to bed as the Red Devils toiled in the Manchester derby and saw their rivals pull seven points clear of them in the WSL table. It'll surely take something spectacular for United to get themselves back in contention now, even after only nine games, as they struggled to contain the likes of Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema and Bunny Shaw and were comfortably beaten 3-0.
City would break the deadlock after an even start when Shaw rose above Elisabeth Terland and nodded across the box for Rebecca Knaak to head home what was her third goal in a Manchester derby to give the hosts the lead.
United, who failed to muster a single shot on target over the entire 90 minutes, tried to get going, with Ella Toone and Jess Park showing flashes of their quality in and around the box, but City's defence were having none of it, and Andree Jeglertz's side would double their lead on 43 minutes. Shaw, who looked a class above all game, would be involved again, this time scoring herself as she raced in front of a sleeping Dominique Janssen and slotted home for 2-0, bagging her sixth WSL goal of the season in the process.
And the game was effectively over just before the half-time whistle blew, when Hemp, afforded far too much time and space to pick her spot, arrowed a ferocious drive past a helpless Safia Middleton-Patel to end the afternoon as a contest.
GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeeper & Defence
Safia Middleton-Patel (6/10):
Powerless to stop any of the goals and saved well from Shaw in the second half to prevent a fourth.
Jayde Riviere (5/10):
She found life tough against a resurgent Hemp and failed to stop the cross on more than one occasion.
Dominique Janssen (4/10):
Should've been more switched on to the danger posed by Shaw for City's second goal and struggled to contain the Jamaican goalscoring sensation all afternoon.
Maya Le Tissier (5/10):
Her and Janssen will be having nightmares about Shaw tonight. Couldn't really blame her for any of the goals but will be angry that United shipped three having been so consistent at the back this season.
Anna Sandberg (5/10):
Struggled to deal with Kerstin Casparij's marauding runs from right-back and should've got out to the Netherlands international far quicker to try to prevent the cross that led to Shaw's goal.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Midfield
Julia Zigiotti Olme (4/10):
Had a bit of a nightmare. Lost the midfield battle and allowed Hemp all sorts of time and space to get her shot away for City's third goal.
Hinata Miyazawa (5/10):
Not her day. Loose with her passing and couldn't stop City dominating the midfield area.
Ella Toone (6/10):
No hat-trick at the Etihad this time. A really frustrating afternoon for Toone, who looked bright in possession but failed to put her stamp on the derby.
Getty Images Sport
Attack
Jess Park (5/10):
Linked up well with Toone at times but was well marshalled by her former City team-mates. Struck the post with United's best chance of the game when she should've really hit the target.
Elisabeth Terland (3/10):
Given the nod in attack but hardly had a touch and was dominated in the air by Shaw for City's opener. Hauled off at half-time for Malard.
Leah Galton (5/10):
Still working her way back to full fitness and the rustiness showed, with her end product particularly poor. Hooked midway through the second half.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Subs & Manager
Melvine Malard (6/10):
On at half-time and looked far more of a threat than the ineffective Terland but ultimately the game was already over.
Fridolina Rolfo (5/10):
Bright on midway through the second half but it was game over by this point and she had little impact.
Hannah Blundell (5/10):
Brought on as United legs began to tire but couldn't help spark any sort of recovery.
Rachel Williams (5/10):
Introduced for Park but it was 3-0 and there was no way back.
Simi Awujo (N/A):
On for the final few minutes.
Marc Skinner (4/10):
Made the decision to switch things up after the midweek win over PSG and it backfired. Dropping Malard for Terland was the biggest call and it didn't go his way, with United now needing a minor miracle to get back in the WSL title picture.
Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd have been rested for the Nepal series, while Shimron Hetmyer had made himself unavailable
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2025The West Indies team management is looking to expand the bowlers’ pool ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year in India and Sri Lanka.Their next T20I assignment is against Nepal at the end of this month for which the selectors have picked five uncapped players, including legspinner Zishan Motara, left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds and legspin-bowling allrounder Navin Bidaisee, apart from batters Ackeem Auguste and Karima Gore, who played international cricket for USA until 2021 but is yet to get his West Indies cap.They have also picked a support staff heavily stacked with former bowlers to accompany the 15-man squad to Sharjah, with Rayon Griffith as the head coach, Ottis Gibson as fast-bowling consultant, and Nikita Miller and Jerome Taylor as assistant coaches.Related
'Not tactics, just team belief' – Pooran toasts TKR's spirit after CPL glory
Nepal, WI to play first bilateral T20I series in September
Five uncapped players in Akeal Hosein-led WI T20I squad against Nepal
“The tour of Nepal is quite strategic for us,” CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said in a press meet. “We have recognised that probably over the last few years, our bowling has been a little bit of the Achilles’ heel in our white-ball team. So we have tried to bolster the support for the bowling group.”After touring the UAE, West Indies will tour Bangladesh for six white-ball matches in October and then fly to New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.Full-time head coach Daren Sammy explained that some of the first-choice players like Gudakesh Motie, the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing CPL, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd had been rested for the games in Nepal to manage their workloads. Except Shimron Hetmyer, who blew hot and blew cold this CPL and was unavailable for the tour.Ottis Gibson’s presence raises the profile of the West Indies support staff•Getty Images
“If you look at the workload of these guys, Rovman for sure, he has been battling a wrist injury that prevented him from playing in the Pakistan series,” Sammy said. “I mean, he pushed it through this CPL. He requested a time off for him to further look at it. Motie and Shepherd, because of their workload over the last few months, we gave them a time off for that. Sherfane was also [rested] because of his workload.”Hetmyer also requested that he was unavailable for that Nepal trip. So again, like I said, it’s not always a bed of roses. Some things we don’t see, but it’s always a challenge. I’ve said that when I call somebody and tell them, ‘you’ve been selected for some of the series’, and I have to ask to everyone, do you accept the selection to play for West Indies? It’s something that I must do because we don’t own the players. We could only select from what’s available to us. Hettie has been one of our promising, talented players from the Under-19 level. However, the scope of things that now… we could only select and hope guys accept this selection. But he’s always available for selection from our side.”Sammy further said that the selectors and coaches also looked at the performers from the inaugural Breakout League – a new T20 league launched earlier this year to spot talent from across the Caribbean – and the CPL to pick fresh players for the upcoming T20Is.Nathan Edward is a rare left-arm quick in West Indies cricket•ICC/Getty Images
“You look at the Breakout [League] and again, I will emphasise the need for continued avenues for us to showcase and unearth talent,” he said. “And the Breakout, maybe some people were against it because it was a T20 format, but if you see this year, the amount of players that came through – Bidaisee was one of them that came through and show his skillset in the Breakout. And, he reminds me of Samuel Badree, who probably could bowl in the powerplay, bowl in the middle, very consistent around that good-length area that brings challenges to batsmen.”And two areas that I’ve spoken about in our bowling department in T20s is the need for a wristspinner. And every single team I could remember in World Cup T20 cricket, has had a left-arm seamer. Just the angle they bring and the difficulty, especially in the back-end of an innings, or whether the ability to swing. I don’t think in the history of West Indies cricket we’ve actually even had two left-arm seamers playing together, much less three. And we also, from the Breakout, you see a young Nathan Edward, who’s been quite quality as well. So again, you put that and you’re hoping that one or two will graduate so quickly that they could be into the senior team.”We gave Jediah [Blades] the exposure, but the way Ramon Simmonds has been bowling in all phases of the game gives me, and I’m pretty sure the selection group, confidence. It makes us excited about the prospects, the promise he’s shown. And then to top that, having somebody like an Ottis Gibson working with them, it’s a win-win situation for us. And hopefully that experience that they will gain or learn from getting the skillsets and the technical aspects of fast bowling or seam bowling from Ottis on that short trip could be a step…”Matthew Forde was still not fit to be considered for selection after he dislocated his shoulder in August, which made him miss the ODIs against Pakistan. CWI is, however, hoping he will be “up and running again” by the Bangladesh series.
The addition of Brewers flame-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski to the National League All-Star roster was a controversial one.
Misiorowski was added to the NL All-Star team as an injury replacement. The 23-year-old received the nod over some more experienced players who have also been enjoying strong seasons, despite Misiorowski having made just five MLB starts.
That didn't sit too well with members of the Philadelphia Phillies, who voiced their displeasure after Misiorowski was selected over Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez, two pitchers who were also deserving of the recognition. Not everyone in the All-Star Game seems to be upset about the call from commissioner Rob Manfred.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge isn't too worked up about Misiorowski's controversial addition to the Midsummer Classic, though, and even expressed his excitement about potentially getting to face the rookie.
"Try to get one over the plate and see what I can do with it," Judge said when asked about possibly facing Milwaukee's emerging star on Tuesday. "He's a special talent. We've seen it so far in his five or six starts he's had in the big leagues. He's gonna do something special in this league for quite a long time," Judge said.
Judge didn't seem to have any qualms with the relatively inexperienced Misiorowski getting an All-Star nod, and he spoke highly of the potential the young Brewers pitcher has.
Hopefully, that's a matchup we'll get to see take place Tuesday night.
The two wristspinners got together on the sidelines to discuss their art before CSK take on DC
Deivarayan Muthu04-Apr-20252:19
Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 – DC’s trump card
Wristspin or mystery spin used to be a bit of novelty in T20 cricket, but it has become a must-have now. Each of the ten teams in IPL 2025 has at least one bowler of this variety in their squad. Kuldeep Yadav and Noor Ahmad, two of the best in the business, got together off the field on Thursday night in Chennai, and will go up against each other on the field on Saturday.On the eve of the game, the two left-arm wristspinners provided a teaser to the mouth-watering contest. After his press conference, Kuldeep was among the first set of bowlers to bowl to the hard-hitting Jake Fraser-McGurk. The Australia batter had already warmed up by launching a Matheesha Pathirana clone into the stands beyond midwicket. That blow even had some cameramen ducking for cover. When Kuldeep was up against Fraser-McGurk, however, he kept threatening or hitting both the edges. When McGurk tried to pick him off the pitch and play him off the back foot, Kuldeep rushed him with his fizz.After Kuldeep finished his shift, Noor turned up at the adjacent net and created the same fizz at higher speeds. No Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter wanted to face him. The keeper (not MS Dhoni this time) couldn’t read which way Noor was turning the ball. In CSK’s season-opener against Mumbai Indians (MI), Noor had even beaten Dhoni with his left-arm legbreak at breakneck speed. Mystery spin at such speed is hard because batters who can’t pick the turn can’t even adjust to it off the pitch.Related
How does the IPL overcome its many language barriers?
Starstruck Nigam 'learning from the best' at Delhi Capitals
Upbeat Delhi Capitals aim for a hat-trick as CSK fret over Gaikwad injury
That’s why wristspinners or mystery spinners are in such demand in T20 cricket. That’s why Noor holds the purple cap. That’s also why Kuldeep is the most economical bowler this season (for a minimum of 24 balls bowled).When Kuldeep burst onto the international scene in 2017, the slowness of his wristspin made it difficult for batters to line him up. Three years later, batters evolved and held their shape for long enough to put him away. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) leaned towards Varun Chakravarthy’s quicker mystery spin.After moving to Delhi Capitals (DC), Kuldeep has evolved with T20 cricket. He was always an attacking wristspinner, tossing the ball up and beating batters in the air. Now he’s also good at the defensive skills, the increase in his average speed corresponding to a decrease in scoring opportunities. Oppositions still try to take him down but that’s now easier said than done. Forty of Kuldeep’s 52 wickets since IPL 2022 have come when batters have attempted aggressive shots against him.”It has become a trend now, playing with a wristspinner,” Kuldeep on Friday. “Yeah, you have to stay relevant in every game and you have to practice each and every day. And just to keep working on reading the batters, what they are doing, especially on game day. And that’s what I am doing. I am just trying to read the batter, what they are doing, and sticking with my strength and yeah, simple as that.”I’m focusing on length. Length is very important, and it’s been like fourth year with DC, so nothing changes. You mature after playing so many games and understand what your strength is and obviously, spinning the ball is my strength and just keeping it very simple and just focusing on the length and we have been talking about that.”
“Obviously, he has a lovely wrong ‘un and with that kind of a pace, it’s very difficult for a batter to pick and especially when you play in Chennai, it’s always very difficult to score against any wristspinner”Kuldeep Yadav on Noor Ahmad
DC have always been on big on wristspin – Amit Mishra is still the leading wicket-taker for the Delhi franchise. This season, they have gone bigger by pairing rookie legspinner Vipraj Nigam up with Kuldeep. And among the reserves, they have a left-arm fingerspinner who can also bowl left-arm wristspin.CSK, on the other hand, have been a more conventional team. Barring the period between 2018 and 2021 when they had Imran Tahir playing for them, CSK have usually lacked a wristspinner of pedigree. Even they have gone unconventional by outlaying INR 10 crore for Noor’s left-arm wristspin this time.Stephen Fleming became a meme when he held up all his ten fingers at the auctioneer to take the bid for Noor up to INR 10 crore. “We’ve been watching him pretty closely for a few years now,” Mike Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, said of Noor. “But I think in the last probably 12 to 18 months, his improvement has just been through the roof. And I’m sure Stephen Fleming has been watching him closely through the other leagues that he’s been playing, through South Africa (SA20), through the American League (MLC) as well.”2:35
Bishop explains what makes Noor special
While CSK have gone on record about the apparent tension with the curators at Chepauk, Noor has taken the pitches out of equation and has emerged this IPL’s highest wicket-taker. He has, on average, taken a wicket once every eight balls.CSK had originally picked Noor as a middle-overs operator, but he can also do the job in the powerplay and end overs, given his exceptional skills. “I just like the look of him,” Hussey said. “I mean, he’s a good guy to have in the team. He’s an attacking spinner. Not many batsmen around the world read him very well. So, he becomes a real attacking option for us. I know Fleming in particular was very keen to get hold of him in the auction and was delighted when we were able to get him. And yeah, he started the season fantastically well.”Kuldeep, too, is impressed by Noor. “I was sitting with him, and we had a chat about how to go about the legspin,” Kuldeep said. “Obviously, he has a lovely wrong ‘un and with that kind of a pace, it’s very difficult for a batter to pick and especially when you play in Chennai, it’s always very difficult to score against any wristspinner.”The blockbuster battle between the two left-arm wristspinners could decide which way the game turns on Saturday.
All the eggs had been placed in the Bilbao basket, with May’s Europa League final providing Ruben Amorim and Manchester United with the chance to save their season, amid the backdrop of a worst-ever Premier League campaign.
Up against an equally as turbulent Tottenham Hotspur side, the top-flight rivals unsurprisingly – considering their domestic fortunes – played out a dour and drab showpiece in the end, with United limply falling to defeat courtesy of a scrappy Brennan Johnson strike.
That 1-0 loss looked set to be a defining moment for Amorim and the INEOS regime, wth intrigue rife over the potential repercussions of a lack of European football, particularly in a financial sense.
While those fears were somewhat eased following an almost £250m outlay on four new faces over the summer, a grim(sby) start to 2025/26 had looked to seal Amorim’s fate even further, with speculation over his future rife heading into recent international breaks.
Thankfully, the Portuguese has managed to stop the rot with a run of three wins and a draw from his side’s last four outings, teeing up a mouthwatering clash with Thomas Frank’s new-look Spurs outfit on Saturday afternoon.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
On a day which could expose or highlight the progress made by the Red Devils since that crushing defeat almost six months ago, questions remain over just how to get the best out of this group of players – not least on the flanks.
Man Utd's wing-back conundrum
Last weekend’s entertaining 2-2 draw away at Nottingham Forest showcased the benefits and flaws of Amorim’s current set-up, with there a sense of risk and reward surrounding the use of Amad at right wing-back.
The diminutive Ivorian was beaten at the backpost by Morgan Gibbs-White as Forest levelled things up after the break, albeit before then lashing home in stunning fashion late on to rescue a point, prior to even going close to snatching a winner at the death.
There is an argument that the 23-year-old’s talents would be better served in a more advanced attacking berth, although the chance to work in tandem with Bryan Mbeumo ahead of him is a fine compromise, with the positives of deploying the left-footer on that flank far exceeding any potential negatives.
The use of Amad in that role has perhaps been a factor in Amorim seeking more balance on the opposite side, hence utilising more of a defensive presence in the form of Diogo Dalot, ahead of January addition, Patrick Dorgu.
While Dalot has had his moments this season, not least when teeing up Mbeumo against Sunderland, he has emerged as something of a justified scapegoat of late, looking distinctly uncomfortable in that left-sided berth.
That was evident at the City Ground, having been caught napping as Nicolo Savona pounced behind him to poke home his first goal for Forest, to complete a quick-fire comeback for the hosts.
That unorthodox position may not be helping matters, although it isn’t as if the Portuguese full-back has exactly flourished in the past, even on his favoured side, having racked up just nine goals and 18 assists in 219 games for the club to date, as per Transfermarkt.
For context, the much-maligned Aaron Wan-Bissaka is only just behind with 13 assists – and two goals – from his 190 outings when playing for United, with the Red Devils sorely lacking a creative, attacking threat from the flanks in recent times.
Of course, Amorim could deploy Dorgu in his place once again, although the Dane’s quality is also up for debate, with the 21-year-old also registering just two assists in 30 games following his switch from Lecce.
With teenage talent Diego Leon still on the periphery, the solution on the left flank may need to be found with an alternative option.
How Man Utd can replace Dalot against Spurs
There is an argument for a resurgent Luke Shaw to be relocated from his left-sided centre-back berth and into a wing-back role, not least with Lisandro Martinez in line to make his return to action in the near future.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Whether the Englishman has the physical capacity to flourish in that position is another matter, however, while it would appear foolish to unsettle the backline right now – at least not until Martinez is fit and firing again.
With that in mind, Saturday’s trip to north London could then be the perfect time for Amorim to find room for Noussair Mazraoui in his side once again, with the Moroccan having endured a frustrating, injury-hit start to 2025/26 thus far.
The 27-year-old did feature in a right-sided centre-back berth off the bench last time out, as United chased a winner, although he does appear to boast the technical quality to be able to thrive further forward, having even been utilised in a number ten role under Erik ten Hag.
A natural right-back by trade, this 3-4-3 system doesn’t appear to suit Mazraoui in truth, although Amorim must surely find room for a player whom he described as “the future” of Manchester United last term.
Indeed, it had proved to be a surprisingly impressive first year in English football following his bargain £13m arrival from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, with content creator Ronaldo Brown even going as far as to describe him as the club’s “best player” last season.
Versatile, almost ever-present in 2024/25 and with the silk to match the steel, the elegant defender truly is a class act, possessing that knack for being to able to weave his way past opponents with ease, while retaining possession no matter where he receives it.
Most used players under Amorim
Player
Games
Bruno Fernandes
51
Noussair Mazraoui
44
Diogo Dalot
44
Manuel Ugarte
43
Leny Yoro
43
Rasmus Hojlund
40
Alejandro Garnacho
40
Harry Maguire
39
Matthijs de Ligt
38
Stats via Transfermarkt
As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made per 90, as well as in the top 6% for pass completion, again highlighting just what an all-rounder he is in the backline.
Of course, the best bet for getting the one-time Ajax man thriving again would be to deploy him on the right flank, yet with there no need to unsettle the Amad and Mbeumo combination, a new role on the left side might be where Mazraoui can slot in.
Something of a Scott McTominay in the sense that he doesn’t necessarily have a clear route into the starting XI in a positional sense, while also being a player who appears too good to leave out, Amorim needs to find a home for United’s number three somehow or another.
He’s too good not to play.
Not Bruno or Mbeumo: Man Utd star is becoming one of the "best in the world"
Manchester United have already unearthed a new world-class under Ruben Amorim.
Afghanistan were all systems go in their opener against Hong Kong, and could go clear at the top with another win on Tuesday
Mohammad Isam15-Sep-20252:26
Abhinav Mukund impressed by Afghanistan’s on-field trial
Big picture: Afghanistan’s chance to make it two in two
After the net run-rate-boosting win over Hong Kong on the first day of the Asia Cup, Afghanistan have the chance to go clear at the top of Group B on Tuesday. Bangladesh are up next, fresh from the hiding at the hands of Sri Lanka. Afghanistan are the more confident of the two sides, which gives them the advantage before the start of the game.Azmatullah Omarzai’s record-breaking half-century from No. 6 led them in their 94-run win against Hong Kong. He added 82 runs for the fifth wicket with Sediqullah Atal, who ended unbeaten on 73. Afghanistan’s bowling was true to their reputation, hardly allowing the hapless Hong Kong batters a whiff.Related
'Belief is key' – Mushtaq rallies Bangladesh ahead of must-win Afghanistan clash
Trott: Afghanistan 'not shy about achieving new things or breaking new ground'
For AM Ghazanfar, the future is now
Why are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh so poor at T20I batting?
Afghanistan get their win but Trott wants improvement
Rashid Khan must have also been pleased with AM Ghazanfar and Noor Ahmad now taking more responsibility. Mohammad Nabi didn’t bowl against Hong Kong, but is likely to be back in the attack against Bangladesh, who have to take on an irrepressible spin attack, a particularly hard task given their own frailties and the conditions in the Emirates.Their batting was under pressure against Sri Lanka right from the start as they played out two wicket-maidens to begin with. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy couldn’t revive the innings, leaving the job to Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain. They have often done this well in the past, but couldn’t on the day.Bangladesh’s catching was below par. The bowlers also collapsed in the face of sensible and aggressive batting. Dropping Taskin Ahmed in favour of Shoriful Islam might have destabilised a side that looks up to Taskin for inspiration.They have to get their act together against Afghanistan, a side headed in the direction opposite to where Bangladesh are going. Bangladesh must lift themselves, otherwise their Asia Cup campaign could well be over before even taking off.1:14
Maharoof: Bangladesh have been lacking in major tournaments
Form guide
Afghanistan WLWWW Bangladesh LWWLW
In the spotlight: Azmatullah Omarzai and Shamim Hossain
Azmatullah Omarzai is emerging as Afghanistan’s top pace-bowling-allrounder, who can bowl in pressure situations and bat effectively in the top six. His half-century against Hong Kong was Afghanistan’s fastest in the format. Omarzai struck five sixes and two fours in his 21-ball 53. He is more than useful with the ball too, often helping Afghanistan break partnerships. He would, however, like to improve his T20I batting record against Bangladesh, having scored just 88 runs in six outings so far.Shamim Hossain dug Bangladesh out of a hole against Sri Lanka, but his unbeaten 42 – and Jaker Ali’s unbeaten 41 – couldn’t quite get them to a winning position. Shamim and Jaker added 86 for the sixth wicket, both doing the sort of fire-fighting job they are asked to do often. The good part about Shamim’s innings was that he took the attack to the Sri Lanka bowlers at the end of the innings, something that should give him confidence against Afghanistan.Taskin Ahmed should return to the Bangladesh XI•AFP/Getty Images
Team news
Afghanistan are likely to stick to the same XI that played against Hong Kong in the tournament opener.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Sediqullah Atal, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Ibrahim Zadran, 4 Mohammad Nabi, 5 Gulbadin Naib, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Karim Janat, 8 Rashid Khan (capt), 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 AM Ghazanfar, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiSaif Hassan and Nurul Hasan are top-order batting options Bangladesh could look at, while Taskin is likely to return into the playing XI.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Tanzim Hasan, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch and conditions
Abu Dhabi has rewarded batters with intent in the Asia Cup so far, but the bowlers too have found help from the pitches. The forecast is for high temperatures.
Stats and trivia
The two maiden overs Bangladesh played out at the start of their innings against Sri Lanka was only the second such instance in a men’s T20I match between two Full-Member teams. Zimbabwe did it against West Indies in 2010.
Omarzai struck the fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan in their Asia Cup opener against Hong Kong. His 20-ball half-century beat Nabi’s 21-ball effort against Ireland in 2017.