Afghanistan completed their domination of Bangladesh, sealing a 3-0 ODI series sweep with a commanding 200-run victory in the third and final match in Abu Dhabi. After posting 293 for 9, Afghanistan’s bowlers dismantled Bangladesh for a mere 93, replicating the margin by which Bangladesh had earlier beaten them in the T20I series.
The foundation for Afghanistan’s win was laid by Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi, both of whom struck fine half-centuries to anchor the innings. Later, young seamer Bilal Sami claimed his maiden five-wicket haul, while Rashid Khan once again tore through Bangladesh’s batting lineup, taking three wickets in his first three overs.
Bangladesh’s batting collapse was relentless. They struggled for any control or partnerships throughout the series, and the pattern continued in this game. Mohammad Naim laboured for 23 balls before falling to Azmatullah Omarzai for just 7. The only resistance came from Saif Hassan, who scored freely early on, hitting a couple of sixes and a four during the powerplay.
However, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s poor ODI form persisted as he was bowled by Sami off an inside edge. Rashid Khan then took over, dismissing Towhid Hridoy with a sharp googly first ball and later bowling Saif Hassan through the gate. Saif top-scored with 43 off 54 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes.
Sami continued the demolition, removing Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught behind, before Shamim Hossain was run out the next ball. Rashid picked up his third wicket by trapping Nurul Hasan lbw, while Sami cleaned up the tail, ending with five wickets after dismissing Tanvir Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Hasan Mahmud in quick succession.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s top order set up a strong platform. Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 99 runs for the first wicket, with Gurbaz blasting five fours and a six in his 42-run knock. Zadran followed up his 95 from the previous game with another fluent fifty, adding 74 runs for the second wicket alongside Sediqullah Atal.
At 173 for 1 in the 32nd over, Afghanistan looked set for a massive total before part-time offspinner Saif Hassan turned the tide briefly, taking three wickets in four overs as four wickets fell for just 15 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai’s brief counterattack with three boundaries helped steady things, but Afghanistan were 249 for 9 after 48 overs.
That’s when Mohammad Nabi unleashed a late onslaught. After Nahid Rana left the field midway through the 49th over, Nabi took full advantage, smashing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for three sixes in four balls before punishing Hasan Mahmud for a six and three fours in the final over. Afghanistan plundered 44 runs in the last two overs, turning a solid total into an emphatic one — and finishing the series in style.
