Dominant Response After T20I Setback
Afghanistan produced a thumping 200-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI, staging a remarkable comeback after their 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series. With this emphatic victory, Afghanistan sealed the ODI series 3-0, marking their fifth consecutive bilateral series win in 50-over cricket.
Blazing Start: Gurbaz and Ibrahim Lay a Solid Foundation
On a dry, batting-friendly surface, Afghanistan’s openers came out firing. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran stitched together a 99-run stand in just over 15 overs. The pair took full advantage of the early field restrictions, scoring 66 runs in the first PowerPlay. Both Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud bore the brunt of the onslaught.
Tanvir Islam finally broke the partnership, dismissing Gurbaz after the spinners tightened the screws. Ibrahim, undeterred, powered ahead to his half-century and shifted gears to dominate the middle overs.
Middle-Order Wobbles but Nabi’s Onslaught Powers Late Surge
Ibrahim Zadran looked well set for a century, but a brilliant direct hit from Nahid Rana ran him out for 95 – heartbreakingly, his second consecutive dismissal on that score. Afghanistan’s middle order faltered briefly as Saif Hassan removed Atal and skipper Shahidi in quick succession.
Despite the setbacks, veteran Mohammad Nabi played a stunning late cameo. Walking in during the 47th over with just 17 from 23 balls, Nabi exploded with a flurry of boundaries. He smashed three sixes and three fours in the last two overs, including a devastating 25-run penultimate over. Scoring 45 runs off his final 14 deliveries, Nabi lifted Afghanistan to a formidable 293/9.
Bangladesh’s Chase Falls Apart
Chasing a daunting target, Bangladesh began with some promise. Saif Hassan showed early aggression, finding the boundary during the PowerPlay. But once Mohammad Naim fell to Azmatullah Omarzai in the 9th over, the collapse was swift and brutal.
Saif tried to hold the innings together, even hitting a few lusty blows off Ghazanfar. However, the Afghan bowlers tightened their grip. Bilal Sami, in only his third ODI, struck gold with a five-wicket haul. Rashid Khan joined the party with three scalps of his own, including a wicket with his first delivery.
From 70/3, Bangladesh imploded to 81/8 within just four overs. Saif Hassan was the lone bright spot, top-scoring with 43, while the rest of the line-up failed to even cross double digits. The innings folded at a mere 93 in 27.1 overs.
A Resounding Victory and a Statement Made
With this clinical win, Afghanistan not only completed a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series but also delivered a statement of intent ahead of future international assignments. Their balanced side, featuring explosive batting and incisive bowling, proved too much for a struggling Bangladesh side.
