Afghanistan series will be tough and interesting: Tamim 

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal believes that the Tigers' upcoming full series against Afghanistan at home is going to be a 'tough and interesting' one. 

Divided into two phases, the series will see Bangladesh take on Afghanistan in one Test, three ODIs, and two T20Is. The one-off Test will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur from June 14. 

Following the Test, cricketers will enjoy a break for Eid-ul-Adha during which period the Afghanistan side are scheduled to travel to India for a series. 

"This is going to be tough series for Bangladesh because Afghanistan posses a very strong bowling line-up. Hopefully, we will be able to prepare ourselves for the task. We are beginning with the Test, and then we will prepare for the ODIs. But for now, our focus is on the Test match," Tamim said when he attended a program in the capital on Friday. 

The second phase of the series will resume in Chattogram, with all three ODIs scheduled to be held in the port city's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The first ODI will be played on July 5. 

Afghanistan are currently on a three-ODI tour to Sri Lanka and have already won their opening game by six wickets to lead the series 1-0 against the hosts. Tamim brought to mind the Afghans' recent form and said the upcoming series will be interesting for the Tigers. 

"One thing that I want to say about the Afghanistan series is that a match-up between the two sides is always interesting. I think Afghanistan are a quality team. Did you see their performance today [Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Friday]? We will have to perform in all three departments against Afghanistan," Tamim added. 

Bangladesh have already started their pre-series camp on May 29 under the supervision of assistant coach Nic Pothas. The Tigers will begin skill training on June 4 after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha arrives.