NEWS
Follow UsAfghanistan continued their winning streak in ODIs as they defeated Bangladesh by five wickets and clinched the three-match series 2-1 in Sharjah. The main heroes in the Afghan victory were wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. They lit up the Sharjah International cricket stadium with their performances and handed Afghanistan their third consecutive ODI series victory.
Batting first, Bangladesh scored 244/8, largely due to the rescue effort by Mahmudullah (98 off 98) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (66 off 119). They recuperated the side from 72/4 in 14.4 overs to 217/5 in 45.6 and post a competitive total on the board.
Omarzai was on fire with the ball, using his variations to great effect. He coiled up the first wicket of Bangladesh in the ninth over, which triggered a mini-collapse that saw them lose four wickets for just 19 runs in six overs. He dismissed four Bangladeshi batters for 37 runs in his four overs. Mahmudullah and Mehidy had to bat well to take their team to 244.
However, it wasn’t enough, as the Afghan batters came out with intent. Gurbaz was dominant from the word go and took on the left-arm pace of Shoriful Islam early on. Despite his opening partner and number three and four batters falling cheaply, he kept the tempo of the innings up. The 22-year-old eventually brought up his eight ODI hundred but perished soon after.
His partnership with Omarzai was decisive, as the latter played a brilliant knock, finishing the chase along with Mohammad Nabi and scoring 70* off just 77 deliveries in the process. He was given the Player of the Match for his brilliant allround efforts.
Afghanistan have defeated Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh in their last three ODI series. They are looking strong to put up a solid show in their first outing in the Champions Trophy early next year. Next, they are going to Zimbabwe for a multi-format tour.
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