226/5 (47.1)
CR : 4.79
221/10 (48.5)
CR : 4.53
Afghanistan won by 5 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Azmatullah Omarzai
3/4040(44)
1:07 AM IST & 11:37 PM Local Time: That’s the end of the contest! A commanding all-round display from Afghanistan as they cruise to a comprehensive 5-wicket victory over Bangladesh with 17 balls to spare. The hosts were dominant right through the game and have drawn first blood in the 3-match ODI series to take a 1-0 lead.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and decided to bat first. Afghanistan struck early through Azmatullah Omarzai, who removed Tanzid Hasan for 10 and Najmul Hossain Shanto for just 2 inside the powerplay. Debutant Saif Hassan looked promising at the crease, playing some confident strokes, but his innings came to an end on 26 after mistiming an inside-out shot straight to wide long-off.
Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined hands to steady the innings, stitching together a crucial 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket to shift momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour. Both batters notched up well-deserved half-centuries, showing great maturity and control. However, the stand was broken against the run of play after a horrible mix-up between the two, leading to Hridoy’s run out on 56.
From a strong position at 154/3, Bangladesh lost their way completely, getting bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs. Rashid Khan was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/38 — with his first scalp marking his 200th ODI wicket — while Azmatullah Omarzai also shone with 3 wickets for just 40 runs.
Afghanistan began their chase on a strong note, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran giving their side a solid platform. The pair handled the new ball with confidence, mixing caution with aggression and finding boundaries at regular intervals. Their partnership of 52 runs set the tone early on, but it was broken in the final over of the powerplay when Tanvir Islam struck to remove Zadran for 23. Soon after, Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply for just 5, as Afghanistan lost two quick wickets, halting their early momentum.
Rahmat Shah had a slow start to his innings, taking time to settle in, but once he found his rhythm, he played with much more fluency. Alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, he stitched together a crucial 78-run partnership that steadied the innings and put Afghanistan firmly in control of the chase. Both batters reached their fifties almost simultaneously, but their dismissals in quick succession — each falling for exactly 50 — gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope and a chance to claw their way back into the game.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (33*) made sure there were no late stumbles in the chase, guiding his side calmly through the final phase. Along with Azmatullah Omarzai (40), who played a sparkling knock under pressure, the duo added a match-defining 59-run stand for the fifth wicket to seal the deal. Mohammad Nabi (11*) put the finishing touches with a towering six, as Afghanistan clinched the first ODI of the series by 5 wickets in convincing fashion. Stay tuned for the Post-Match Presentation!
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and decided to bat first. Afghanistan struck early through Azmatullah Omarzai, who removed Tanzid Hasan for 10 and Najmul Hossain Shanto for just 2 inside the powerplay. Debutant Saif Hassan looked promising at the crease, playing some confident strokes, but his innings came to an end on 26 after mistiming an inside-out shot straight to wide long-off.
Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined hands to steady the innings, stitching together a crucial 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket to shift momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour. Both batters notched up well-deserved half-centuries, showing great maturity and control. However, the stand was broken against the run of play after a horrible mix-up between the two, leading to Hridoy’s run out on 56.
From a strong position at 154/3, Bangladesh lost their way completely, getting bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs. Rashid Khan was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/38 — with his first scalp marking his 200th ODI wicket — while Azmatullah Omarzai also shone with 3 wickets for just 40 runs.
Afghanistan began their chase on a strong note, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran giving their side a solid platform. The pair handled the new ball with confidence, mixing caution with aggression and finding boundaries at regular intervals. Their partnership of 52 runs set the tone early on, but it was broken in the final over of the powerplay when Tanvir Islam struck to remove Zadran for 23. Soon after, Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply for just 5, as Afghanistan lost two quick wickets, halting their early momentum.
Rahmat Shah had a slow start to his innings, taking time to settle in, but once he found his rhythm, he played with much more fluency. Alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, he stitched together a crucial 78-run partnership that steadied the innings and put Afghanistan firmly in control of the chase. Both batters reached their fifties almost simultaneously, but their dismissals in quick succession — each falling for exactly 50 — gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope and a chance to claw their way back into the game.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (33*) made sure there were no late stumbles in the chase, guiding his side calmly through the final phase. Along with Azmatullah Omarzai (40), who played a sparkling knock under pressure, the duo added a match-defining 59-run stand for the fifth wicket to seal the deal. Mohammad Nabi (11*) put the finishing touches with a towering six, as Afghanistan clinched the first ODI of the series by 5 wickets in convincing fashion. Stay tuned for the Post-Match Presentation!
1:18 AM IST & 11:48 PM Local Time: Time for the Post-Match Presentation!
Player of the Match: Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai (POTM): "It was a very tough wicket to bat on. We just looked for loose balls to put away. Some deliveries were gripping, while others were skidding on, so it was difficult to rotate the strike. I knew that I hit the pitch, that's why we took the review."
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh Captain): "I think we lost many wickets in the first 15 overs. The wicket was difficult to bat on. The wicket was turning a little bit. I think Towhid played really well. He handled the situation brilliantly. At the end, we failed to get partnerships. That was the problem for us.
We still have a good chance. One match is done but two matches are left. We have done sometimes in this match but we will learn quickly from it. I have confidence on my boys to turn it around in the next game.
Well, I feel we were 40 runs score. 260 would have been a good total over here. We need to get partnerships with the bat. We will improve and do well in the next game."
We still have a good chance. One match is done but two matches are left. We have done sometimes in this match but we will learn quickly from it. I have confidence on my boys to turn it around in the next game.
Well, I feel we were 40 runs score. 260 would have been a good total over here. We need to get partnerships with the bat. We will improve and do well in the next game."
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan Captain): "We are happy with the way the team played. It was a good game for me, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming matches as well. I’ve been working hard on myself, especially on my fitness and fielding. I think our bowlers did really well, particularly in the middle overs.
With the bat, we got a good start — Gurbaz and Rahmat both played well. Gurbaz got out to a good delivery, but I’m not too happy with Rahmat for throwing his wicket away. He’s a senior player, and hopefully, he learns from this."
With the bat, we got a good start — Gurbaz and Rahmat both played well. Gurbaz got out to a good delivery, but I’m not too happy with Rahmat for throwing his wicket away. He’s a senior player, and hopefully, he learns from this."
And that’s a wrap from Abu Dhabi! Afghanistan have delivered a commanding all-round performance to register a convincing 5-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series. The action now shifts to the same venue for the 2nd ODI on 11th October (Saturday), where Bangladesh will be under pressure to bounce back and keep the series alive.
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Deepak Prakash who, along with scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer brought all the actions of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Deepak Prakash who, along with scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer brought all the actions of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋