Full Highlights | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | Match 01 | ODI Series | ACB | 311K

The first ODI of the highly anticipated series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh turned out to be a thrilling contest, filled with drama, skill, and moments of brilliance that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Played at a packed venue under bright sunshine, the match set the perfect tone for what promises to be an exciting ODI series. Both teams entered the field with renewed confidence — Afghanistan looking to continue their excellent white-ball form, while Bangladesh aimed to assert their dominance through experience and depth.

Toss and Team News

Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bat first, believing that the surface would get slower as the match progressed. The Afghan side went in with a strong spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, while Bangladesh fielded their experienced unit led by Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Afghanistan’s Confident Start

Afghanistan began steadily with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran opening the innings. The duo showed composure and aggression in patches, rotating the strike and punishing the loose balls. Gurbaz, known for his aggressive intent, looked in fine touch. He played some delightful cover drives and powerful cuts, taking early control over the Bangladeshi pacers.

The first powerplay brought 56 runs without losing a wicket, giving Afghanistan a strong foundation. Ibrahim Zadran, more patient and technically sound, anchored the innings while Gurbaz attacked from the other end. Their partnership crossed 90 runs, frustrating Bangladesh, before Shoriful Islam provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Gurbaz for a well-made 58 off 63 balls.

Middle Order Takes Charge

After the solid opening stand, Afghanistan’s middle order took charge. Rahmat Shah joined Ibrahim Zadran and ensured the momentum didn’t drop. Both batters played with maturity, targeting the gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Ibrahim reached his fifty with a stylish flick through midwicket, showcasing his growing maturity as a top-order batter.

However, Bangladesh fought back through their spinners. Shakib Al Hasan, as always, brought his magic touch. He trapped Rahmat Shah LBW for 27, and soon after, Mehidy Hasan dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi with a beautifully flighted delivery. At 180 for 3, Afghanistan needed stability.

Late Flourish from Nabi and Najibullah

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi showed his class once again, using his experience to rebuild the innings. Partnering with Najibullah Zadran, he accelerated in the final overs. The pair combined power and placement perfectly, targeting Bangladesh’s death bowlers. Nabi’s strike rate climbed over 120, as he smashed a series of boundaries off Taskin and Mustafizur.

Najibullah played the perfect supporting role, running hard between the wickets and picking gaps efficiently. Their late assault helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 286 for 6 in 50 overs. Nabi finished unbeaten on 62 off 45 balls, while Najibullah contributed 39 off 31. For Bangladesh, Shakib was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 45, while Taskin Ahmed also grabbed two wickets.

Bangladesh’s Run Chase Begins

Chasing 287, Bangladesh needed a solid start, but Afghanistan’s bowlers had other plans. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, removing Liton Das with a brilliant inswinger that crashed into the stumps. The pressure mounted immediately. Tamim Iqbal, returning to the side, looked composed and tried to rebuild with Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The duo steadied the innings with a 70-run stand, showing patience and excellent shot selection. Tamim mixed caution with aggression, while Shanto played some eye-catching strokes down the ground. Just when Bangladesh seemed to be gaining control, Mujeeb ur Rahman broke the stand by deceiving Shanto with a carrom ball. That wicket opened the floodgates.

Middle Overs: Rashid Khan’s Spin Web

Once Rashid Khan came into the attack, the match swung decisively towards Afghanistan. He bowled with impeccable control and variations, making life difficult for every Bangladeshi batter. Tamim, who was closing in on a fifty, edged one to slip trying to cut a sharp googly. Rashid then trapped Mushfiqur Rahim LBW with a quicker one, sending the Afghan fans into a frenzy.

At 118 for 4, Bangladesh were in deep trouble. Shakib Al Hasan tried to resist, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Rashid and Noor Ahmad bowled in tandem, strangling the run rate and building pressure. The spin trio conceded just 89 runs in 30 overs combined, showcasing Afghanistan’s dominance in the middle phase.

Late Resistance from Mahmudullah

Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad tried to revive Bangladesh’s hopes. His calm presence and calculated aggression gave a brief glimpse of a possible comeback. He struck three boundaries and two sixes, bringing up a fighting half-century. However, without much support from the tail, his effort was in vain.

In the 45th over, Fazalhaq Farooqi returned and bowled a deadly yorker to dismiss Mahmudullah for 56, effectively sealing the game. Bangladesh were bowled out for 228 in 47.3 overs, handing Afghanistan a 58-run victory.

Star Performers

Mohammad Nabi (AFG): 62* (45) & 1/36 — showed his all-round brilliance.
Rashid Khan (AFG): 3/34 — spun the match in Afghanistan’s favor.
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): 67 (88) — anchored the innings beautifully.
Shakib Al Hasan (BAN): 2/45 & 32 (41) — tried hard but lacked support.

Post-Match Reactions

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his team’s balanced performance, especially the spinners. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in the middle overs and credited Nabi and Najibullah for finishing strong.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan admitted that his side lost key wickets at crucial stages. He emphasized better shot selection and stronger intent in the next matches.

The Player of the Match award deservedly went to Mohammad Nabi for his match-winning all-round display.

Conclusion

The first ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh perfectly showcased the growing strength of Afghan cricket. Their batting depth, coupled with world-class spin bowling, proved too much for Bangladesh. With this victory, Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, sending a clear message that they are no longer underdogs in world cricket.

As the series progresses, Bangladesh will look to bounce back with improved batting and tighter bowling. But for now, it’s celebration time for Afghanistan, who continue to rise as one of the most consistent teams in the ODI format.

Final Result:
🇦🇫 Afghanistan won by 58 runs
Series: Afghanistan lead 1–0

Man of the Match: Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)