BAN vs AFG (1st ODI) – Highlights
AFG kicked off their ODI series against BAN in style, clinching a confident five-wicket victory in the first match at Abu Dhabi. Chasing a modest 222, the hosts displayed calm and composure, anchored by all-round brilliance from Azmatullah Omarzai, who earned the Player of the Match award for his match-defining performance of 3 for 40 and a vital 40 off 44 balls. His contributions with both bat and ball proved decisive as Afghanistan crossed the finish line with 17 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first on a dry surface that promised grip for spinners but also offered true bounce early on. However, the top order failed to capitalize on a steady start. Saif Hassan played a few crisp drives before falling for 26, while Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto departed cheaply against Omarzai’s seam movement. At 25 for 2, Bangladesh were already under pressure, and although Towhid Hridoy and Miraz steadied the innings with a patient 101-run stand, the run rate never really lifted above four an over.
Hridoy’s 56 from 85 balls and Miraz’s captain’s knock of 60 from 87 gave Bangladesh some respectability, but once Rashid Khan entered the scene, the middle order fell apart. The leg-spinner was once again unplayable in the middle overs, claiming 3 for 38 as he removed Miraz, Jaker Ali, and Nurul Hasan in quick succession. Young left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote provided tight control while Ghazanfar’s late strikes wrapped up the innings for 221 in 48.5 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Omarzai and Rashid, maintained relentless discipline, rarely offering loose deliveries.
In reply, AFG chase was well-paced from the start. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave them a steady platform, adding 52 runs before Ibrahim was stumped off Tanvir Islam for 23. Gurbaz continued his measured knock, compiling 50 from 76 balls, mixing patience with selective aggression. The middle order, however, wobbled slightly as Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah, both caught trying to rotate strike against the slower ball.
At 136 for 4, the game was evenly poised, but captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and the ever-reliable Omarzai steadied the innings with a composed 59-run partnership. Omarzai’s counterattacking strokeplay—six fours and a six—shifted the momentum back towards Afghanistan. Even after his dismissal for 40, Shahidi ensured no further hiccups, guiding his side home with an unbeaten 33, supported by a late cameo from Mohammad Nabi, who finished things off with a six over long-on.
For BAN, Tanzim Hasan Sakib stood out with 3 for 31 in his seven overs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz once again impressed with the ball, taking 1 for 32 in his ten. However, the lack of penetration from the pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, who went wicketless, hurt Bangladesh’s chances of exerting pressure.
Afghanistan’s all-round control and Omarzai’s excellence set the tone for what could be a dominant series if Bangladesh doesn’t regroup quickly. The next game now becomes crucial for the visitors to avoid slipping behind in the contest.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Scoreboard
Bangladesh – 221/10 (48.5/50)
Afghanistan – 226/5 (47.1/50)
Result – Afghanistan won by 5 wickets (with 17 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai
BAN vs AFG Playing XI
Bangladesh | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan (wk), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam. |
Afghanistan | Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir |
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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