World T20 2014: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Where to Watch Live; Opening Match Live Streaming Information

It's no ordinary affair. 26 teams, 62 matches, the stage is set, the expectations are high, the players are raring to go and the viewers cannot wait for the first ball to be bowled [or should we say the first six to be hit?]. Enough said, let the action begin.

Expect a full house at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium where tournament hosts Bangladesh take on Afghanistan in the ICC World T20 qualifiers opener, as tense contests await the next few weeks.

Can Afghanistan beat Bangladesh again, like they did in Asia Cup 2014? Or Can the Tigers roar back, especially with the inclusion of their main players Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal?

Afghanistan have gone on record, admitting that they are way better in playing the T20 format than the 50-over ODIs, which require more planning and patience. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have never really managed to get hold of the T20 format. They have not only lost four of their last five T20 internationals, they're also on a ten-match losing streak in World T20.

The only advantage they have in the tournament is that they are playing in home conditions and the support they always get there is incredible. But Shakib, the former Bangladesh captain who has been there and done that, has urged his fans to tone down the expectations because it is no good running high on emotions, when you walk down to the middle.

"As the tournament is at home, we will have the support but there shouldn't be too much expectation," Shakib said. "I have heard people say, 'Let the cup stay at home.' But I think we have to tone that down a bit.

"Please support us, the team will do better. But everyone has to take the result sportingly. Too much expectation does put undue pressure on us."

All said and done, no doubt Afghanistan have the edge, especially because they go in without much pressure as Bangladesh. But on paper Bangladesh are the favourites going into this match.

Squads

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Mahmudullah, Farhad Reza, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Sohag Gazi, Al-Amin Hossain, Shamsur Rahman.

Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad, Nawroz Mangal, Karim Sadiq, Shafiqullah, Mohammad Nabi (capt), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Samiullah Shenwari, Dawlat Zadran, Shappoor Zadran, Hamza Hotak, Najeeb Tarakai, Asghar Stanikzai, Mirwais Ashraf, Aftab Alam.

Where to Watch Live [match starts at 3.30pm local time, 3pm IST]