AFG vs BAN (2nd ODI) – Highlights
Afghanistan stamped their authority in Abu Dhabi with a commanding 81-run victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare. On a slow surface where runs came at a premium, Ibrahim Zadran’s composed 95 anchored Afghanistan’s innings before Rashid Khan’s masterclass with the ball dismantled Bangladesh’s chase. It was a match that showcased Afghanistan’s growing maturity as a 50-over side disciplined, confident, and tactically astute.
AFG innings revolved entirely around the calm and technically sound Ibrahim Zadran. Opening the batting, he displayed old-school patience absorbing pressure, rotating the strike, and punishing anything loose. His 95 off 140 balls wasn’t flashy, but it was invaluable. While wickets tumbled at the other end, Ibrahim anchored the innings, guiding Afghanistan from a shaky 38 for 2 to a competitive 190 all out.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to halt the flow with a tidy 3-for-42, supported by the spin tandem of Tanvir Islam and Rishad Hossain, but BAN lacked the killer instinct to finish the innings early. The Afghans managed to stretch their total thanks to some late-order resistance from AM Ghazanfar, whose 22 off 18 balls gave the innings a much-needed push. On a sluggish pitch, 190 looked modest, but AFG knew it was enough if they bowled with discipline.
BAN reply was undone by a mix of poor shot selection and sheer brilliance from Rashid Khan. The Afghan leg-spinner, returning to his devastating best, delivered a spell that will be remembered for its precision and menace. Rashid took 5 for 17 in 8.3 overs, ripping through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order with typical guile and variation. Once Towhid Hridoy’s promising 24 was cut short, the rest of the batting collapsed in a heap.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s early double strike removing both openers Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan set the tone for the collapse. Bangladesh were 50 for 4 inside the first 10 overs, and from there, the result felt inevitable. The pitch offered some grip and bounce for the spinners, but it was Rashid’s control that transformed a defendable total into a match-winning one.
For Bangladesh, this defeat will sting deeply. Their batting unit once again looked disjointed and uncertain. No one apart from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, showed any intent to stay and build partnerships. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s dismissal for just 4 symbolized the team’s frailty against spin, while the lower order folded without resistance. A total of 109 in 28.3 overs reflected a side short on both application and belief.
Afghanistan’s evolution as an ODI unit is becoming increasingly clear. They defended a modest total with composure and belief, showing that their bowling attack led by Rashid, Omarzai, and the emerging Nangeyalia Kharote can thrive on any surface. With the series now in their bag, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men will look to complete a clean sweep and continue their climb up the ODI ladder.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Scoreboard
Afghanistan – 190/10 (44.5/50)
Bangladesh – 109/10(28.3/50)
Result – Afghanistan won by 81 runs
Player of the Match – Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG vs BAN Playing XIs
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad. |
Bangladesh | Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan (wk), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman. |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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