Cricket, much like life, often offers opportunities for redemption. For the Afghanistan cricket team, the third One Day International against Bangladesh was precisely that – a canvas for a magnificent comeback. After enduring a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series, Afghanistan turned the tables decisively, delivering a resounding 200-run victory in the final ODI to complete a dominant 3-0 series sweep. This wasn`t just a win; it was a statement, firmly establishing Afghanistan`s growing prowess in the 50-over format.
The Architects of a Mammoth Total: Zadran`s Grit and Nabi`s Blaze
The stage for this remarkable turnaround was set on a dry pitch, a surface that often demands a blend of careful accumulation and aggressive strokeplay. Afghanistan`s innings began with a promising foundation, thanks to the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Their 99-run stand in just over 15 overs was a masterclass in controlled aggression, particularly in the initial PowerPlay where boundaries flowed freely against Bangladesh`s pacers, Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud.
While Gurbaz eventually departed, succumbing to the pressure built by Bangladesh`s spinners, Ibrahim Zadran continued his stellar form. He anchored the innings, reaching his half-century with quiet confidence, then shifting gears to find boundaries. However, fate, or perhaps a direct hit from Rana, had a cruel twist for Zadran. For the second consecutive match, he fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for a brilliant 95. One might begin to suspect an unwritten rule: thou shalt not score 95 against Bangladesh twice in a row, lest the cricket gods demand atonement.
As the innings approached its climax, Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position. The middle order had faltered, and a score pushing 250 seemed optimistic. Enter Mohammad Nabi. At 17 off 23 balls with 47 overs bowled, his acceleration was nothing short of breathtaking. What followed was a spectacle of power-hitting: first a six in the 48th over, then an astonishing 25-run 49th over, featuring three sixes and five wides, courtesy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping in for an injured Nahid. Nabi, denying Hasan his hat-trick ball, then unleashed fury in the final over, plundering three fours and a six to notch up his 18th ODI half-century. His final tally of 62 runs came off just 37 balls, with an incredible 45 runs scored off the last 14 deliveries he faced. This late-innings explosion pushed Afghanistan`s total to a formidable 293 for 9, a target that suddenly looked far more intimidating than it had moments earlier.
Bangladesh`s Chase: A Rapid Unraveling
Chasing 294, Bangladesh`s start was initially steady. Saif Hassan found some early boundaries, offering a flicker of hope. However, that flicker was quickly extinguished. Mohammad Naim departed in the ninth over, and what followed was a collapse of epic proportions. Afghanistan`s bowlers, sensing blood, tightened their grip with an iron fist.
Bilal Sami, bowling his first over, struck immediately, setting the tone for the demolition. Rashid Khan, the Afghan captain, then picked up a wicket with his very first ball, before claiming the crucial scalp of Saif Hassan. The period between the 19th and 22nd overs was particularly brutal for Bangladesh, as Afghanistan picked up five wickets, transforming a precarious 70/3 into a disastrous 81/8. The Afghan spin maestro and his pace colleagues were relentless.
The final nails in Bangladesh`s coffin were hammered in by Bilal Sami. He sliced through the remaining batting lineup with clinical precision, completing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Bangladesh were bundled out for a mere 93 runs in 27.1 overs. The scorecard told a stark story: only Saif Hassan, with 43 runs, managed to reach double figures for the hosts. It was an outcome as emphatic as it was swift.
A Series Statement: Afghanistan`s Ascent in ODI Cricket
This 200-run triumph not only sealed a 3-0 ODI series sweep for Afghanistan against their subcontinental rivals but also marked their fifth consecutive ODI series win. It’s a testament to their continuous improvement, tactical acumen, and the emergence of exciting talents alongside seasoned campaigners. From the composed batting of Zadran and the explosive finish by Nabi to the devastating bowling of Sami and Khan, Afghanistan demonstrated a complete performance that leaves little doubt about their capabilities.
For Bangladesh, this series serves as a harsh reality check, highlighting areas requiring immediate attention, particularly their batting against quality spin and aggressive pace. For Afghanistan, however, it`s a moment of celebration – a definitive rebuttal to any doubts, and a clear signal that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international cricket stage.
Brief Scores:
- Afghanistan: 293/9 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 95, Mohammad Nabi 62; Saif Hassan 3-6, Tanvir Islam 2-46)
- Bangladesh: 93 all out in 27.1 overs (Saif Hassan 43; Bilal Sami 5-33, Rashid Khan 3-12)
- Result: Afghanistan won by 200 runs.
