Afghanistan began their ODI series against Bangladesh in style, claiming a comfortable five-wicket win in the first match to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. It was a match where spin magic and disciplined bowling proved decisive. Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan as Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai starred with the ball, helping bowl out Bangladesh for just 221 runs before the Afghan batters finished the job with ease.
Rashid Khan’s Brilliance Shines with the Ball
From the very start, Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan as Rashid Khan once again showcased his class. Bangladesh struggled against Afghanistan’s strong spin attack, especially after a fiery opening spell from Azmatullah Omarzai. Omarzai took three wickets early, leaving Bangladesh in trouble at 53 for 3. The partnership between Towhid Hridoy (56) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60) gave Bangladesh some hope as they added 101 runs for the fourth wicket.
However, once the stand was broken, the collapse began. Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan when Rashid Khan returned for his third spell, trapping Mehidy LBW with a trademark googly — also marking his 200th ODI wicket. Rashid then dismissed Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan to complete figures of 3 for 38. His spin partner AM Ghazanfar added two more wickets (2 for 55), while Omarzai finished with 3 for 40.
Bangladesh’s lower order failed to resist the Afghan spinners. Apart from a quick cameo from Tanvir Islam (11 off 8), no one could handle the pressure. Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan by completely dominating with 35.5 overs of spin bowling. Eventually, Bangladesh folded for 221 in 48.5 overs.
Afghan Batsmen Seal the Chase Comfortably
Chasing 222, Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan as their batters played smart and steady cricket. Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a solid start with a 50-run partnership in under 10 overs. Ibrahim was the aggressor with four boundaries before being dismissed for 25, while Gurbaz played a patient innings and brought up his fifty before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Rahmat Shah also scored a composed fifty, guiding the chase calmly even when wickets fell. Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan as the middle order took control, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (37*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (40) building a crucial 59-run stand. Omarzai batted with intent, hitting six fours and a six, while Shahidi anchored the innings perfectly.
In the end, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi sealed the victory in style with a towering six over mid-wicket, confirming Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan with 17 balls remaining. The triumph reflected Afghanistan’s rising confidence in ODI cricket, built on their world-class spin attack and a calm, composed batting lineup that executed the chase perfectly.
Once again, Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan with a dominant display of skill and control. Rashid Khan’s magical spell, Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, and disciplined spin bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup, setting the tone for a confident chase. The Afghan team showcased composure and teamwork, proving why they are one of the most dangerous spin units in world cricket. With this impressive five-wicket victory, Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan, and they now aim to maintain their momentum and clinch the series in style.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh: 221 in 48.5 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 60, Towhid Hridoy 56; Rashid Khan 3/38, Azmatullah Omarzai 3/40)
Afghanistan: 226/5 in 47.1 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, Rahmat Shah 50; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3/31, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1/32)
In short, Spinners set up 1-0 lead for Afghanistan with clinical bowling, calm batting, and complete control throughout the match.
SEE MORE:
