Afghanistan cruise past Bangladesh by 5 wickets in series opener

International
Bangladesh opt to bat against Afghanistan in ODI opener
Rahmanullah Gurbaz tonks a shot through the leg side
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Online Desk
· 1 min read
Afghanistan began their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with a confident five-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, chasing down 222 with 17 balls to spare.

Bangladesh, after opting to bat first, were bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs. Their innings was built around a solid fourth-wicket stand between Towhid Hridoy (56 off 85) and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60 off 87), who added 101 runs after the top order faltered early.

However, the Tigers lost momentum once Rashid Khan struck twice in quick succession. Rashid (3/38) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40) were the pick of the Afghan bowlers, while Nangeyalia Kharote and Ghazanfar provided excellent support.

In reply, Afghanistan’s chase was steady and measured. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Rahmat Shah (50) guided the innings after early wickets, adding 78 runs for the third wicket.

Omarzai (40 off 44) played a vital role later in the innings with aggressive strokeplay, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (33 off 46)* anchored the chase until the end. Mohammad Nabi (11 off 8)* sealed the win with a six.

For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with figures of 3 for 31, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam chipped in with one wicket each.

Afghanistan reached 226 for 5 in 47.1 overs, taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The teams will meet again in the second ODI at the same venue later this week, where Bangladesh will aim to bounce back and keep the series alive.

Read more: : Bangladesh