Afghanistan Clinches Series Victory Over Bangladesh in Thrilling Match

Sports Desk

12 Nov 2024, 08:43

Photo: AFP

After a heavy defeat in the first match of the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh made an impressive comeback in the second match, setting up an unofficial final in the third and final game. Both teams fought hard in this nail-biting match, but Afghanistan ultimately claimed victory. With a solid performance, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets.

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On Monday, November 11, Bangladesh batted first and set a target of 245 runs for Afghanistan. In response, Afghanistan reached the target with 10 balls and 5 wickets to spare, winning the series 2-1 under the leadership of Rashid and Nabi.

Afghanistan started strong in their chase of a challenging target, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal contributing 41 runs. In the eighth over, debutant pacer Nahid Rana provided Bangladesh with a breakthrough by bowling out Sediqullah.

However, Gurbaz held his ground at the other end and continued to score. Though Rahmat Shah (8) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (6) were dismissed, Gurbaz reached his fifty off 60 balls and, with Azmatullah Omarzai’s support, continued to lead the chase.

Gurbaz scored his eighth ODI century off 117 balls. Although he received good support from Azmatullah, he couldn’t stay long after reaching his century, eventually getting caught at the boundary off Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 101. Despite Gulbadin Naib falling for 1 run, Azmatullah reached his fifty off 59 balls.

Azmatullah and Mohammad Nabi (34) took Afghanistan to victory with Azmatullah remaining unbeaten on 70 off 77 balls, allowing Afghanistan to secure the win with 10 balls and 5 wickets in hand.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana each took two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed one.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh openers made a promising start. However, Soumya Sarkar (24) and Tamim (19) couldn’t build on their innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah Riyad then anchored the innings, leading Bangladesh to a competitive total of 244 runs. Mahmudullah scored a team-high 98 runs, while Miraz added 66 runs.

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