Afghanistan wrapped up a flawless series performance with a crushing 200-run win over Bangladesh in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, completing a 3–0 whitewash in emphatic fashion.
Medium pacer Bilal Sami starred with career-best figures of 5 for 33, while Rashid Khan ripped through the middle order as Bangladesh folded for a mere 93, chasing 294.
Afghanistan Dominate from Start to Finish
After opting to bat, Afghanistan piled up 293/9, built on a solid 99-run opening stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Zadran struck a fluent half-century, later adding 74 runs with Sediqullah Atal, while veteran Mohammad Nabi provided a brutal finish — smashing three sixes off Miraz and another off Hasan Mahmud in a blistering late cameo that lifted the total beyond Bangladesh’s reach.
Even a brief spark from Saif Hassan — who took three wickets in four overs — couldn’t halt the Afghan charge.
Bilal and Rashid Rip Through Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s reply never got off the ground. Rashid Khan struck thrice in his first three overs, reducing the visitors to rubble before Bilal Sami cleaned up the rest.
Only Saif Hassan showed some resistance, hitting 43 off 54 balls with two sixes and a four, but his effort was in vain as the rest of the lineup fell in single digits.
It was Bangladesh’s lowest total against Afghanistan — a humbling reminder of their growing struggles in the ODI format.
Captains React: Relief and Reflection
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his team’s complete performance and the rise of their fast-bowling unit.
Very happy with the performance — not easy to stay on top and whitewash a team. Everyone put in their effort. We were struggling with fast bowlers before, but Bilal bowled really well today. That’s a positive sign.
Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitted his team were outplayed. “We accept that we haven’t played well,” Miraz said. “We’re not getting runs, and we’re giving away too many wickets. We need to take responsibility across the top and middle order and learn how to bat 50 overs again.”
Afghanistan Find Their Rhythm Again
After a mixed showing in the Asia Cup and a disappointing T20I series loss to Bangladesh, Afghanistan’s dominant ODI display marked a clear return to form.
With the victory, the Afghans not only settled scores from the T20s but also sent a warning to upcoming opponents — that their one-day game is thriving again.
