Afghanistan Defeat Bangladesh by 5 Wickets in Abu Dhabi ODI Thriller
Dominant Chase Gives Afghanistan Series Lead
Afghanistan began their ODI series against Bangladesh in emphatic fashion, registering a solid 5-wicket win in the 1st ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The victory was built on disciplined bowling and composed batting, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hashmatullah Shahidi leading the charge.
Bangladesh Innings: Rashid and Azmatullah Shine with the Ball
Bangladesh, batting first, were bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs. The innings never gained real momentum as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Towhid Hridoy top-scored with 56 off 85 balls, showing resilience in the middle order, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 60 runs.
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Rashid Khan was once again Afghanistan’s trump card, taking 4 for 38 with his variations and control. Azmatullah Omarzai supported well with 3 for 40, while Nangeyalia Kharote and Ghazanfar picked up two wickets each. The Afghan bowlers maintained constant pressure, denying Bangladesh any late acceleration.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Calm and Clinical Chase
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably with 5 wickets in hand and 17 balls remaining. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a brisk start, scoring 50 from 76 balls with classic stroke play and excellent running between the wickets.
Rahmat Shah (50) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (33*) ensured that the innings remained steady, even after a few hiccups in the middle overs. Azmatullah Omarzai’s aggressive 40 off 44 balls quickened the chase, keeping Bangladesh bowlers at bay.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Struggles
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to create consistent breakthroughs on a batting-friendly surface. Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up three wickets, including key dismissals of Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, but lacked support from the other end. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam bowled economically yet couldn’t prevent Afghanistan’s composed chase.
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Key Performers
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 50 (76) – Set the platform for a successful chase.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: 33* (46) – Anchored the innings till the end.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 3/40 and 40 (44) – All-round brilliance.
- Rashid Khan: 4/38 – Game-changing spell in the middle overs.
- Towhid Hridoy: 56 (85) – Lone bright spot in Bangladesh’s innings.
Match Summary
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Result: Afghanistan won by 5 wickets
- Bangladesh: 221 all out (48.5 Overs)
- Towhid Hridoy 56 (85), Mehidy Hasan Miraz 60 (87)
- Rashid Khan 4/38, Azmatullah Omarzai 3/40
- Afghanistan: 226/5 (47.1 Overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50 (76), Rahmat Shah 50 (70)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3/30, Tanvir Islam 1/42
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the 1st ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh?
Afghanistan won by 5 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
2. Who was the top scorer for Afghanistan?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 50 runs, giving Afghanistan a strong start.
3. Which bowler took the most wickets?
Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets for 38 runs.
4. What went wrong for Bangladesh?
Bangladesh lost wickets regularly and couldn’t capitalize on a good start.
5. Who was named Player of the Match?
Rashid Khan was likely the Player of the Match for his impactful spell.
6. Where was the match played?
The match took place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
7. What is next in the series?
The second ODI will be crucial for Bangladesh as they look to bounce back.