Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh managed to score 221 runs in 48.5 overs, thanks to composed half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy, who added 101 runs for their partnership. Rashid Khan (3/38 in 10 overs) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40 in 9 overs) restricted the Bangladeshi batsmen and took wickets at regular intervals.

Chasing 222 runs, Afghanistan reached the target in 47.1 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan a solid start. Another composed innings by Rahmat Shah helped the team get close to the target. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 34, while the experienced Mohammad Nabi finished the game in style, smashing a six off Saif Hassan to seal the victory. An all-round performance by Azmatullah Omarzai played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s win.

Rashid and Rahmat Reach Big Milestones

It was a memorable outing for Afghanistan, marked by personal achievements. Rashid Khan became the first Afghan cricketer to take 200 ODI wickets, reaching the landmark in 115 matches. This makes him the second-fastest spinner to achieve the feat.

Meanwhile, Rahmat Shah crossed 4,000 ODI runs, becoming the first Afghanistan batter to reach the milestone. These records added an extra layer of pride to the team’s performance.

Rashid Khan’s Crucial Spell

Rashid played a major role in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup. He picked up three wickets, dismissing captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, and Nurul Hasan during a key phase. His spell helped bowl Bangladesh out for 221 in 48.5 overs, giving Afghanistan a strong position before their chase began.

Bangladesh’s Early Struggles and Recovery

Bangladesh had a shaky start, losing three wickets inside 12 overs. However, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy rebuilt the innings with a 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Both reached half-centuries — Mehidy scored 60, while Hridoy made 56 — but their dismissals triggered a collapse. Rashid dismissed both batters, and Bangladesh failed to recover momentum. Saif Hassan had earlier made 26, while Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan fell quickly later on.

Omarzai also struck early blows with the ball, giving Afghanistan the upper hand from the start.

Steady Chase by Afghanistan

Afghanistan began confidently in their chase. Ibrahim Zadran hit the first few boundaries, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacked Taskin Ahmed with a six straight down the ground. The openers reached a 50-run partnership in just nine overs.

However, Tanvir Islam broke the stand when he spun one past Zadran, who was stumped by Nurul Hasan. Soon after, Tanzim Hasan dismissed Sediqullah Atal, leaving Afghanistan two down.

Like Bangladesh’s earlier recovery, Rahmat Shah and Gurbaz slowed the innings to rebuild. They added 78 runs for the third wicket, both scoring fifties. Rahmat was caught at midwicket for 50, and four balls later, Gurbaz was bowled by Mehidy for 50 as well.

Omarzai and Shahidi Seal the Game

After the quick dismissals, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai steadied the innings. Their 59-run partnership for the fifth wicket shifted the game firmly in Afghanistan’s favor.

Omarzai attacked Bangladesh’s bowlers fearlessly. He hit Mehidy for a four and six in his final over and then punished Tanzim Hasan with three consecutive boundaries in the 43rd over. He eventually fell for 40 off 44 balls, including six fours and a six.

By then, Afghanistan needed just 27 runs off seven overs. Shahidi and Nabi calmly completed the chase, with Nabi finishing the match with a six to seal a five-wicket win with 17 balls to spare.