Afghanistan stunned Bangladesh in the first ODI of their series, securing a 92-run victory after a dramatic collapse of Bangladesh’s batting lineup, who lost 8 wickets for just 23 runs. Afghanistan’s spin duo of Ghazanfar Ahmadzai and Rashid Khan, along with a crucial half-century from Hasmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi, were the standout performers in a thrilling encounter at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble, reduced to 71 for 5 in the 20th over after Bangladesh’s pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. Taskin (4-53) and Mustafizur (4-58) were in superb form, each picking up multiple wickets in the opening overs to leave Afghanistan reeling.
However, a pivotal partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi anchored Afghanistan’s recovery. The pair added 104 runs, with Nabi playing a counter-attacking knock of 84 off 79 balls. Shahidi supported him with a patient 52 from 92 balls, as the pair revived the innings with smart running and calculated strokeplay. Despite a few strokes of fortune — including a missed review when Nabi was plumb in front on 37 — the duo held firm and guided Afghanistan past 200. Nabi, in particular, played with purpose, hitting two massive sixes off Rishad Hossain, and taking advantage of some loose bowling to propel Afghanistan to a competitive total of 235 in 49.4 overs.
Nabi’s innings was marked by aggressive hitting, while Shahidi’s composed knock of 52 was built around singles and twos, which helped Afghanistan recover from their early slump. Lower-order contributions from Nangeyalia Kharote (27*), along with some big hitting from Nabi, pushed the total to a challenging mark.
Chasing 236, Bangladesh were well-placed at 118 for 2 at the halfway stage, needing 118 runs from the remaining 24 overs with eight wickets in hand. However, what followed was nothing short of chaos. Bangladesh’s chase disintegrated as Ghazanfar Ahmadzai (6-26) spun a web around the Bangladeshi batters, taking six wickets in a stunning display of bowling.
The collapse began with the dismissal of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (47), who was caught at short fine leg off Mohammad Nabi’s fielding reshuffle. From there, Bangladesh’s middle-order completely capitulated. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had looked solid earlier, fell to a spectacular diving catch from Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ghazanfar’s relentless spell broke the back of the chase.
Ghazanfar’s turning deliveries claimed three wickets in quick succession: Mushfiqur Rahim was stumped, Rishad Hossain was trapped lbw, and Taskin Ahmed was bowled — all off his deadly carrom balls. Rashid Khan, bowling in tandem, accounted for Mahmudullah, cleaning him up with a googly. With just two wickets left, Ghazanfar added two more scalps to his name, wrapping up the match by bowling Shoriful Islam in the 35th over to seal the 92-run win.
The match was defined by Afghanistan’s brilliant spin bowling and Bangladesh’s catastrophic collapse. Ghazanfar’s career-best 6 for 26 was the highlight of the day, with Rashid Khan (2-28) playing a supporting role. The turning point came after Nabi’s astute field placement caused Shanto’s dismissal, setting the stage for a dramatic collapse. From a solid 120 for 2 in the 26th over, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 143 in 34.3 overs.
While Afghanistan’s middle-order recovered from their early slump, Bangladesh’s chase was undone by poor shot selection and some stunning fielding and wicketkeeping. Afghanistan’s spinners exploited the conditions perfectly, while Nabi’s composed innings in the middle overs gave the team the platform they needed to set a formidable target.
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Bangladesh’s inability to capitalize on early opportunities, including dropped catches and missed reviews, ultimately cost them dear. With eight wickets in hand at the halfway mark, the game was seemingly in Bangladesh’s control. However, Afghanistan’s spinners ran riot, completing a memorable win.
This thrilling victory gives Afghanistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and they will now head into the second ODI with confidence. For Bangladesh, the collapse will be a bitter pill to swallow, but they have the talent to bounce back in the remaining games. The two teams will now move to the second ODI in Dubai, where Bangladesh will look to recover from a devastating defeat and square the series.
Match Scorecard
Afghanistan: 235 all out in 49.4 overs (Nabi 84, Shahidi 52; Taskin 4-53, Mustafizur 4-58)
Bangladesh: 143 all out in 34.3 overs (Shanto 47, Sarkar 33; Ghazanfar 6-26, Rashid 2-28)
Match Result: Afghanistan won by 92 runs.
