Afghanistan aims for a 3-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in the final ODI in Abu Dhabi after a dominant second game where they bowled Bangladesh out for 109 while defending a modest 190. Confidence is rising for Afghanistan, while Bangladesh struggles to recover. Afghanistan’s key bowlers, led by Azmatullah Omarzai’s early wickets and Rashid Khan’s lethal middle-order bowling, dismantled Bangladesh’s lineup. However, Afghanistan’s batting needs improvement, relying on Ibrahim Zadran’s steadiness to hold the innings amid a slow pitch.
Bangladesh’s batting woes continue, having failed to chase small totals and showing frailties throughout the series. Their spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed emphasized the need for Bangladeshi batters to focus on the ball rather than the bowler, particularly against Rashid.
Bangladesh’s bowling and fielding have been strong, matching Afghanistan’s spinners and outperforming in the pace department, but the batter’s failure to capitalize has cost crucial chances.
Form guide:
Afghanistan – W W W L W
Bangladesh – L L L W L
Key Players
Ibrahim Zadran: A mainstay of Afghanistan’s batting, combining aggression with the ability to anchor innings. His adaptability and desire for big scores, as seen in his 177 against England, make him vital for Afghanistan’s quest for a series clean sweep.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Bangladesh’s captain and key ODI player, able with both bat and ball, but yet to inspire team victories. The struggling batting lineup remains a challenge he must overcome.
Team Updates
Rahmat Shah’s injury opened a place for Darwish Rasooli in Afghanistan’s middle order. Seamers Abdollah Ahmadzai or Bilal Sami could replace wicketless Bashir Ahmad. Bangladesh might rotate Mohammed Naim and Shamim Hossain into the lineup, resting Tanzid Hasan and Jaker Ali or Nahid Rana may get an opportunity.
Probable Squads
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdollah Ahmadzai/Bilal Sami
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Hasan/Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Nurul Hasan (wk), Jaker Ali/Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan/Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch and Conditions
The slow pitches at Zayed Stadium have made boundary-scoring difficult, turning the middle overs into a test of patience and strike rotation. The weather remains intensely hot.
Stats and Trivia
- Rashid Khan now has six five-wicket hauls in ODIs, second only among leg-spinners to Shahid Afridi’s nine.
- Bangladesh’s 109 in the second ODI is their lowest score against Afghanistan, failing to chase Afghanistan’s 190 in Abu Dhabi—the lowest total batting first in 55 matches there.
- Rashid has dismissed Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy four times in ODIs, equaling Mushfiqur Rahim as his most frequent victim.