Afghanistan clinched a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Sharjah Stadium, securing their third consecutive series win. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s scintillating century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round performance guided Afghanistan to chase down Bangladesh’s total of 244, with the hosts finishing at 246/5 in 48.2 overs.
Gurbaz, who had struggled in previous chases, played a match-winning knock of 101 off 120 balls. His innings, which came with a fair share of luck, provided Afghanistan with the foundation for victory after they were reduced to 84/3 in the 21st over. Gurbaz was dropped twice and survived a missed stumping, but he continued to dominate, reaching his eighth ODI century in the 39th over.
Despite Gurbaz’s dismissal in the 39th over, Afghanistan’s chase remained on track, thanks to Omarzai’s calm 70* off 77 balls. He formed a crucial 100-run partnership with Gurbaz and then kept the momentum going with Mohammad Nabi, who contributed a quickfire 34* to see the team home.
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Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 244/8, largely thanks to Mahmudullah’s brilliant 98 off 98 balls and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 66. After a shaky start, with Bangladesh losing four quick wickets for just 19 runs, Mahmudullah and Mehidy rescued their side with a 145-run stand for the fifth wicket. Mahmudullah’s late flurry, which included three sixes, brought Bangladesh to a competitive total. However, it wasn’t enough as Afghanistan completed the chase with relative ease, losing five wickets with 2.4 overs to spare.
Omarzai’s 4/37 with the ball, including the key wickets of Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy, earned him the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. This victory marks a successful series for Afghanistan, who have now won three consecutive series in ODIs.
