Bangladesh vs Afghanistan: Bangladesh dominated Afghanistan in the T20 series, but their performance shifted with the transition to the ODI format. After a poor batting display led to a loss in the first ODI, the Tigers struggled even more in the second match.
Chasing a target of 191 to level the series, Bangladesh’s approach seemed more suited to a Test match, which theoretically would have ensured an easy win in a 300-ball game. However, the batting lineup faltered and lost wickets consistently, ultimately being dismissed for 109 runs in 28.3 overs. Afghanistan secured the series victory with one match remaining by defeating Bangladesh by 81 runs.
This heavy defeat jeopardizes Bangladesh’s chances of qualifying for the main event of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite the expectation that Bangladesh would comfortably chase down the target in the series-saving game, their batting failure showed early signs.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Tanjid Hasan Tamim was dismissed without scoring. Although Saif Hassan and Nazmul Hossain Shanto attempted to stabilize the innings, Shanto was run out after scoring 7 runs. Towhid Hroday joined Saif, but Saif was dismissed after scoring 22 runs, contributing 40 runs to the team’s total. Hridoy scored 24 runs but the team fell apart, losing 5 wickets for just 50 runs. Subsequently, Zaker Ali Anik, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Rishad Hossain failed to make significant contributions, resulting in Bangladesh’s innings ending at 109 all out. Rashid Khan’s spin was decisive, taking 5 wickets.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Bangladesh’s bowlers showed control at the start of Afghanistan’s innings in Abu Dhabi. Afghans struggled to keep the runs flowing after winning the toss and batting first. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bowled impressively with the new ball, while Mehedi Miraj and Rishad Hossain disrupted Afghanistan’s middle order. Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 runs stood out, but with wickets falling regularly at the other end, Afghanistan was bowled out for 190 runs in 44.5 overs.
This series win for Afghanistan was marked by consistent bowling and a key batting performance from Zadran, while Bangladesh’s batting woes ultimately cost them the match and the series, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan.