Afghanistan produced a commanding 200-run victory over Bangladesh within the third ODI, bouncing back from a 3-0 T20I series loss to deliver an identical scoreline within 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 only over 15 overs.
The pair began aggressively, scoring 66 in the primary Powerplay and punishing Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud. Nevertheless, 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 4 within the ‘V’.
The duo took the rating to 150 in 25 overs, with Sediqullah Atal hitting back-to-back boundaries off Rana. Saif Hassan dismissed Atal in a wicket-maiden after which removed captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, while Ibrahim was run out on 95, falling in need 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 fast 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 within the forty eighth 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 within the Powerplay. Nevertheless, 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 nineteenth and twenty second overs, reducing Bangladesh from 70/3 to 81/8. Sami wrapped up the innings with a five-wicket haul, as only Saif managed to achieve double digits, handing Afghanistan a dominant 200-run victory.
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