After being swept 3-0 in the T20I series, Afghanistan hit back hard, defeating Bangladesh by five wickets in the opening One-day International at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday.
Led by a disciplined bowling performance and half-centuries from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan chased down Bangladesh’s total of 221 with 17 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
“Our Bowlers Bowled Really Well” — Shahidi
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi hailed his side’s collective display, particularly with the ball.
I’m very happy with the way the team played. That was one of the good games for us. Our bowlers bowled really well, especially in the middle overs. We were very economical with good line and length.
He, however, was not entirely pleased with his batters’ finishing. “In the batting also, we started well. Gurbaz and Rahmat played good knocks, but in the end, I’m not happy with Rahmat. When we are settled and know the conditions, we should finish the game,” he added.
Omarzai, Rashid Set The Tone With The Ball
Afghanistan’s victory was built on their superb bowling effort, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (3–40) and Rashid Khan (3–38). They strangled Bangladesh’s scoring through the middle overs, while Allah Ghazanfar (2–55) chipped in with timely wickets. For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60 off 87) and Towhid Hridoy (56) offered resistance, but the side was bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs.
“We Lost Key Wickets Early” — Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitted his team failed to build crucial partnerships. “We always lose many wickets in the first 15 overs. The wicket was turning a bit, and we struggled in that period. Towhid played really well, but we didn’t get partnerships, and that’s the problem.”
Gurbaz, Rahmat Lead The Chase
In response, Afghanistan reached 226 for 5 in 47.1 overs, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 50 (76) and Rahmat Shah’s 50 (70). The duo provided a steady start that set up the chase. Azmatullah Omarzai (40 off 44) played a crucial middle-order hand, while captain Shahidi (33 not out) and Mohammad Nabi (11 not out off 8) guided the team home. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3–55) being the pick, while Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan managed a wicket each.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 221 all out in 48.5 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 60, Towhid Hridoy 56; Azmatullah Omarzai 3–40, Rashid Khan 3–38, Allah Ghazanfar 2–55) Afghanistan 226/5 in 47.1 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, Rahmat Shah 50, Azmatullah Omarzai 40, Hashmatullah Shahidi 33*; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3–55) Result: Afghanistan won by five wickets.
