Afghanistan crushed Bangladesh by 81 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series at Abu Dhabi. With the help of a superb, composed innings by Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan posted a modest total of 190 in 44.5 overs.

While chasing, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 109 in 28.3 overs. A brilliant spell from Rashid Khan (5/17 in 8.3 overs) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/27 in 7 overs) wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup. Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hassan resisted the Afghan bowlers for a while, with Towhid Hridoy (24) finishing as Bangladesh’s top scorer.

Rashid and Omarzai Wreck Bangladesh Batting

The match followed a familiar pattern from the first ODI, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan dismantling Bangladesh’s batting order. Omarzai struck early, taking three wickets in his opening spell, while Rashid finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 17. It was Rashid’s sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs.

This victory marked a strong comeback for Afghanistan after a disappointing Asia Cup exit and a 3-0 T20I series loss to Bangladesh. Despite resting several senior players, Afghanistan’s younger squad delivered a commanding performance.

Zadran Anchors Afghanistan’s Innings

Ibrahim Zadran played a crucial innings, scoring 95 off 140 balls with four boundaries. His knock held Afghanistan’s innings together as wickets kept falling at the other end. He played responsibly, rotating the strike and ensuring a fighting total.

Zadran began aggressively with a six off Mehidy Hasan Miraz and added a few boundaries early on. However, as conditions got tougher, he focused on singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. His resistance ended in the 44th over when Mehidy had him caught at deep midwicket.

Earlier, openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply within the first nine overs, while Rahmat Shah’s injury further weakened the lineup. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Omarzai also departed quickly, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 79 for 4.

Veterans Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote tried to stabilize the innings, while No.10 AM Ghazanfar’s quick 22 helped Afghanistan push close to 200.

Bangladesh Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing 191, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan in the first over when Omarzai had him caught at fine leg. Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out soon after while attempting a risky second run.

Saif Hassan started well, scoring 22 off 23 balls, but threw away his wicket while trying an uppercut that found the fielder. Omarzai then trapped Mehidy Hasan Miraz lbw to claim his third wicket.

Towhid Hridoy gave Bangladesh a brief hope with a composed 24 but fell to a rash slog-sweep against Rashid. Soon after, Nurul Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were dismissed in quick succession. Rishad Hossain narrowly avoided being Rashid’s hat-trick victim after a successful review but fell later.

Bangladesh’s final collapse came swiftly, with Tanvir Islam and Rishad departing to Rashid’s spin magic. They lost three wickets without adding a run, folding for just 109 in 28 overs.