Afghanistan completed a memorable turnaround by sweeping Bangladesh 3-0 in the ODI series, taking sweet revenge after their 3-0 defeat in the preceding T20I series. Putting their poor T20 performance behind them, Afghanistan showcased their dominance and composure in the 50-over format, sealing the series in emphatic fashion.
In the third and final ODI, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision paid off as the hosts posted a competitive total of 293 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the team a solid start with a quick 42, while his opening partner Ibrahim Zadran once again proved his class, scoring a brilliant 95 that included seven fours and two sixes. Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Zadran held the innings together, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi provided the perfect finish, smashing an unbeaten 62 off just 37 balls, decorated with four boundaries and five massive sixes. His aggressive cameo propelled Afghanistan to a commanding total. Apart from Zadran and Nabi, however, the rest of the Afghan batters struggled, contributing only single-digit scores.
For Bangladesh, Saif Hassan was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 6 in his five overs, while Hasan Mahmud and Tanvir Islam picked up two wickets apiece.
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In reply, Bangladesh’s chase never gained momentum. They crumbled under pressure, managing just 93 runs in 27.1 overs, handing Afghanistan a huge 200-run victory. Saif Hassan top-scored with 43, while the rest of the batters failed to reach double figures. Afghanistan’s Bilal Sami was exceptional, taking 5 for 33 in 7.1 overs, while Rashid Khan spun a web around the visitors with figures of 3 for 12.
Ibrahim Zadran, who amassed 213 runs in three innings at an average of 71, was rightly named Player of the Series. With this comprehensive win, Afghanistan wrapped up a successful home series. They will now face Zimbabwe in a one-off Test in Harare starting October 20, while Bangladesh return home to prepare for their three-match ODI series against the West Indies beginning October 18.
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