Sharjah, Nov 6, 2024 – The highly anticipated Afghanistan vs Bangladesh series kicked off in dramatic fashion as Afghanistan secured a decisive 92-run victory in the first ODI at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This venue, marking its 300th men’s international match, played host to an enthralling game highlighted by an exceptional performance from 18-year-old off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar, whose six-wicket haul decimated Bangladesh’s middle and lower order.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Nabi and Shahidi to the Rescue
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh encounter began with Afghanistan opting to bat first. The initial overs saw Bangladesh’s pace spearheads, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, wreak havoc as they reduced Afghanistan to a precarious 71 for 5 by the 20th over. Taskin’s searing pace and Mustafizur’s crafty variations claimed four wickets each, raising hopes for a dominant start for the visitors.
Despite the shaky start, Afghanistan’s innings was resurrected by Mohammad Nabi and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Their 104-run partnership steadied the ship, showcasing a mix of cautious defense and timely aggression. Shahidi contributed a vital 52 off 92 balls, providing the much-needed anchor. However, it was Nabi’s fearless approach that turned the tide. His 84 off 79 balls, punctuated by four boundaries and three massive sixes, injected momentum into Afghanistan’s innings and propelled them to a respectable total of 235.
Nabi’s dismissal in the 47th over did little to halt the progress, as Nangeyalia Kharote added an unbeaten 27 to ensure Afghanistan maximized their final overs. The hosts were bowled out in 49.4 overs, with Taskin (4 for 53) and Mustafizur (4 for 58) proving to be the standout bowlers for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Promising Start and Sudden Collapse
Bangladesh’s chase began with promise, setting up an engaging battle in this Afghanistan vs Bangladesh clash. Although Tanzid Hasan fell early to Ghazanfar, the experienced Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto combined for a 53-run partnership that kept Bangladesh on track. Their confident play pushed the visitors to 120 for 2, signaling a potential victory in sight.
The match turned on its head in the 26th over, however, when Mohammad Nabi made a critical field adjustment that paid immediate dividends. Tempting Shanto to sweep, Nabi succeeded as the batter top-edged the ball to short fine leg, where Shahidi held on after an initial fumble. This dismissal for 47 signaled the start of a collapse that shifted the momentum decisively in favor of Afghanistan.
Ghazanfar’s Unforgettable Spell
The true game-changer in this Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match was Allah Ghazanfar. Reintroduced into the attack in the 31st over, the young off-spinner unleashed a series of masterful carrom balls that bamboozled Bangladesh’s batters. His second spell started with the key wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who succumbed to Ghazanfar’s sharp turn.
Ghazanfar’s most impactful moment came in the 33rd over—a triple-wicket burst that saw Mushfiqur Rahim stumped, Rishad Hossain trapped LBW, and Taskin Ahmed bowled, all falling prey to his deceptive carrom deliveries. By the time he dismissed Shoriful Islam in the 35th over, Ghazanfar had completed a remarkable six-wicket haul, cementing Afghanistan’s dominance.
Complementing Ghazanfar’s efforts was Rashid Khan, whose subtle variations and pinpoint googlies accounted for the scalps of Mahmudullah and Towhid Hridoy, further tightening Afghanistan’s grip on the match. Bangladesh’s last eight wickets crumbled for a mere 23 runs, resulting in them being bowled out for 143 in just 34.3 overs.
Key Takeaways from the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 1st ODI
This emphatic victory for Afghanistan underscores the balance and depth within their team. The combination of experienced players like Nabi and emerging stars like Ghazanfar poses a formidable challenge for any opponent. For Bangladesh, this defeat is a wake-up call; despite promising partnerships and a strong start, their inability to handle spin in crucial moments proved costly.
Conclusion and What’s Next
With a 1-0 lead in the series, Afghanistan will be eager to maintain their momentum as they approach the next Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODIs. Meanwhile, Bangladesh must regroup and address their shortcomings, particularly their strategy against spin, to avoid an early series defeat. The cricketing world will be keenly watching how these teams adapt and strategize in the upcoming matches at Sharjah.
Brief Scores:
- Afghanistan: 235 in 49.4 overs (Mohammad Nabi 84, Hashmatullah Shahidi 52; Taskin Ahmed 4-53, Mustafizur Rahman 4-58)
- Bangladesh: 143 in 34.3 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 47; Allah Ghazanfar 6-26, Rashid Khan 2-25)
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh rivalry continues to showcase thrilling cricket, making the next encounters in the series even more anticipated by fans and analysts alike.