Afghanistan produced a commanding 200-run victory over Bangladesh in the third ODI, bouncing back from a 3-0 T20I series loss to deliver a similar scoreline in the 50-over format. This marked Afghanistan’s fifth consecutive ODI series win.
After posting a formidable 293/9, powered by Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 and Mohammad Nabi’s explosive 62 off 37 balls, Bangladesh could only manage 93, as Bilal Sami claimed a five-wicket haul. On a dry pitch, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim laid a solid foundation with a 99-run opening partnership in just over 15 overs.
The pair started aggressively, scoring 66 in the first Powerplay and punishing Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud. However, the spinners tightened the screws, and Gurbaz fell to Tanvir Islam. Ibrahim reached 50 following Gurbaz’s dismissal and continued attacking, smashing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a six and a four in the ‘V’.
The duo took the score to 150 in 25 overs, with Sediqullah Atal hitting back-to-back boundaries off Rana. Saif Hassan dismissed Atal in a wicket-maiden and then removed captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, while Ibrahim was run out on 95, falling short of a second consecutive ODI century.
Nabi’s Late Blitz Powers Afghanistan After Early Wickets Fall
Afghanistan’s innings continued to lose momentum as Saif removed Ikram Alikhil and Azmatullah Omarzai fell after a quick boundary spree. Rashid Khan hit a first-ball six but managed only five more deliveries before falling to Mehidy. With the innings nearing its end, Nabi accelerated, hitting sixes off Hasan in the 48th over.
Despite a mini collapse, Nabi’s 45 off 14 balls helped Afghanistan finish strongly. Bangladesh began their chase steadily, with Saif finding some boundaries in the Powerplay. However, wickets tumbled as Afghanistan’s bowlers applied pressure. Sami struck early, followed by Rashid, who picked up his first-ball wicket.
Afghanistan then triggered a dramatic collapse, taking five wickets between the 19th and 22nd overs, reducing Bangladesh from 70/3 to 81/8. Sami wrapped up the innings with a five-wicket haul, as only Saif managed to reach double digits, handing Afghanistan a dominant 200-run victory.
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