Afghanistan crushed Bangladesh by 200 runs in the third ODI of the three-match series at Abu Dhabi. A composed innings by Ibrahim Zadran and a blazing half-century by Mohammad Nabi towards the end helped Afghanistan post 293/9 in 50 overs. Saif Hassan, with figures of 3/6 in 4 overs, was the best performer with the ball for Bangladesh.

While chasing, the Bangladeshi batting lineup was demolished by Bilal Sami (5/33 in 7.1 overs) and Rashid Khan (3/12 in 6 overs), and Bangladesh was bundled out for 93. Afghanistan finished the series in stunning fashion, winning the third match by 200 runs to complete a 3-0 whitewash in Abu Dhabi.

Strong Start Sets Up Big Total

Afghanistan’s innings was built around crucial half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi. Zadran opened the innings confidently, while Nabi provided a powerful finish. After choosing to bat, Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a brisk start, adding 99 runs for the first wicket. Gurbaz attacked early, hitting five fours and a six in his 42-run knock.

Zadran, who had scored 95 in the previous game, continued his good form. He reached his fifty soon after Gurbaz’s dismissal and added another 74 runs for the second wicket with Sediqullah Atal. At that stage, Afghanistan were cruising at 173 for 1 in the 32nd over.

Bangladesh Fight Back Briefly

Bangladesh briefly clawed their way back when part-time off-spinner Saif Hassan turned the game with three wickets in four overs. His spell triggered a collapse, as Afghanistan lost four wickets for just 15 runs in 25 balls.

Despite that setback, Azmatullah Omarzai played a short but useful innings with three boundaries, keeping the scoreboard moving. When Afghanistan slipped to 249 for 9 in the 48th over, Mohammad Nabi was still at the crease on 24.

Nabi Finishes Strong

The match turned again in Afghanistan’s favor during the final overs. After Bangladesh bowler Nahid Rana left the field mid-over, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had to finish the 49th. Nabi took full advantage, smashing three sixes in four balls. In the final over, he attacked Hasan Mahmud for another six and three fours. His explosive finish helped Afghanistan collect 44 runs in the last two overs, lifting the total to a commanding 293 for 9.

Rashid and Sami Lead the Bowling Carnage

Bangladesh’s chase began poorly and never recovered. Mohammad Naim struggled to score, managing just 7 off 23 balls before Azmatullah Omarzai had him caught at slip. Saif Hassan tried to steady the innings with some early boundaries, but wickets kept falling at the other end.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s lean run continued when Bilal Sami bowled him through the inside edge. Then Rashid Khan produced yet another masterclass. He trapped Towhid Hridoy with a googly on the very first ball he faced and bowled Saif soon after with another deceptive delivery. Despite hitting two fours and three sixes, Saif’s 43 off 54 was the only notable contribution for Bangladesh.

Sami, making his mark, claimed his first wicket when Mehidy Hasan Miraz edged behind for 6. The collapse quickened as Shamim Hossain was run out next ball. Rashid then dismissed Nurul Hasan lbw for his third wicket in three overs.

From there, Sami took charge. He removed Tanvir Islam with a return catch, before Rishad Hossain and Hasan Mahmud fell in quick succession. Sami completed his maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with figures that broke Bangladesh’s lower order apart.

A One-Sided End

Bangladesh folded for just 93 runs, handing Afghanistan a mammoth 200-run victory. The win completed a 3-0 sweep in the ODI series and underscored Afghanistan’s growing dominance in the format.