In a compelling display that underscored their growing prowess in international cricket, Afghanistan delivered a resounding 200-run defeat to Bangladesh in the third One Day International, thereby sealing a dominant 3-0 series whitewash. This comprehensive victory not only served as a sweet redemption for an earlier T20I series loss but also marked Afghanistan’s fifth consecutive ODI series win, firmly cementing their status as a formidable force in the 50-over format.
The Architects of the Assault: Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi
The stage for Afghanistan`s formidable total of 293 for 9 was set by a blend of classical stroke play and explosive power. The innings commenced with a robust 99-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and **Ibrahim Zadran**. On a dry pitch, which usually favors slower bowlers, the Afghan openers showed no hesitancy, navigating the initial PowerPlay with an aggressive intent that yielded 66 runs.
While Gurbaz eventually fell, Ibrahim Zadran continued to anchor the innings, advancing to a well-deserved fifty. His performance was a testament to composure and skill, yet it carried a peculiar narrative twist. For the second consecutive match, Ibrahim found himself tantalizingly close to a century, only to be run out at 95. One might almost suspect a contractual obligation to stop just short, providing a moment of shared disbelief among fans and teammates alike.
As the middle order struggled to maintain momentum against Bangladesh`s spin troika, the innings faced a potential plateau. However, like a maestro stepping onto the podium for a grand finale, **Mohammad Nabi** then decided the script needed a dramatic rewrite. Starting cautiously at 17 off 23 balls with just two overs remaining, Nabi unleashed a breathtaking assault. What followed was a masterclass in late-innings hitting, as he plundered 45 runs off his final 14 deliveries. The 49th over, bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, became a casualty of Nabi’s aggression, conceding 25 runs, including three towering sixes and five wides. His rapid-fire 18th ODI fifty pushed Afghanistan’s total from respectable to intimidating, leaving Bangladesh in a state of stunned disarray.
Bangladesh`s Chase: A Rapid Unraveling
Chasing 294, Bangladesh’s innings began with a glimmer of hope. Saif Hassan, the lone warrior for the hosts, managed to find a few boundaries, attempting to inject some much-needed momentum. However, this early stability proved to be a fragile facade. The turning point arrived with the dismissal of Mohammad Naim in the ninth over, a prelude to a catastrophic collapse.
What began as a measured response quickly devolved into a masterclass in collective self-destruction. The Afghan bowlers, sensing blood, tightened their grip with relentless precision. Between the 19th and 22nd overs, Bangladesh lost five crucial wickets, plummeting from a cautiously optimistic 70 for 3 to a dismal 81 for 8. The dry pitch, which Afghanistan had exploited so effectively with the bat, now became a graveyard for Bangladesh`s batting ambitions.
Bilal Sami`s Brilliance and Rashid Khan`s Ever-Present Threat
The demolition job was spearheaded by the sensational **Bilal Sami**, who delivered a career-defining performance. Sami`s maiden ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 33, was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Each wicket was a nail in Bangladesh`s coffin, as he systematically dismantled their lower order.
Adding to the despair of the Bangladeshi batsmen was the ever-present threat of **Rashid Khan**. The Afghan skipper, predictably impactful, claimed three wickets for a mere 12 runs, including a wicket off his very first ball. His ability to maintain a stranglehold on the scoring rate while picking up crucial breakthroughs remains unparalleled, and this match was no exception.
In the end, only Saif Hassan managed to reach double digits for Bangladesh, scoring a valiant 43 runs, a solitary beacon in an otherwise dark batting performance. The hosts were bundled out for a paltry 93 in just 27.1 overs, a stark indicator of Afghanistan`s dominance.
A New Horizon for Afghanistan Cricket
This 200-run triumph is more than just another win; it`s a powerful statement from a burgeoning cricket nation. The series whitewash against a seasoned international side like Bangladesh highlights Afghanistan`s strategic development, player depth, and unwavering fighting spirit. From Ibrahim Zadran`s consistent, if slightly unlucky, brilliance to Mohammad Nabi`s explosive late-game heroics, and the combined bowling prowess of Bilal Sami and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan demonstrated a complete team effort.
As they celebrate their fifth consecutive ODI series victory, Afghanistan continues to write a compelling chapter in their cricketing history. They are no longer merely participants; they are formidable contenders, sending a clear message to the cricketing world that their ascent is well underway.
