Afghanistan v Bangladesh

Afghanistan Dominates Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi ODI

• By RubaiSport
• Posted Sunday, October 12, 2025

Rashid Khan's Bowling Brilliance

The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi witnessed a dominant performance by Afghanistan as they defeated Bangladesh by 81 runs in the 2nd ODI of the Bangladesh tour of United Arab Emirates 2025/26. The match, held on October 12, 2025 (Australian Eastern Time), saw Afghanistan put up a total of 190/9 in 44.5 overs, a score which Bangladesh failed to chase down, being bowled out for just 109 in 28.3 overs. This victory gives Afghanistan a significant advantage in the series.

The match began under clear skies in Abu Dhabi, with both teams eager to secure a win. The toss was crucial, and Afghanistan won, electing to bat first. This decision was immediately put to the test as Bangladesh looked to exploit any early morning moisture in the pitch.

Afghanistan Innings: A Tale of Two Halves

Afghanistan's innings got off to a shaky start, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early for just 11 runs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck in the 3rd over, removing Gurbaz and giving Bangladesh the early momentum. The young opener could only manage a single boundary and a six before his dismissal, failing to capitalize on his aggressive intent.

However, Ibrahim Zadran proved to be the mainstay of the Afghan innings, crafting a brilliant 95 off 140 balls. His innings was a masterclass in patience and calculated aggression. Zadran navigated the challenging conditions, anchoring the innings and providing stability in the face of consistent pressure from the Bangladesh bowlers. He hit only three boundaries and a single six, emphasizing his focus on rotating the strike and building a substantial score. He looked set for a well-deserved century, but was caught by Rishad Hossain off the bowling of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a dismissal that shifted the momentum slightly back towards Bangladesh.

The rest of the Afghan batting lineup struggled to build partnerships around Zadran. Sediqullah Atal was caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib off Tanvir Islam for a modest 8 runs. Rahmat Shah was forced to retire hurt after scoring 9 runs, further disrupting Afghanistan's momentum. Hashmatullah Shahidi's struggles continued as he was dismissed for just 4 runs by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, increasing the pressure on the middle order. Azmatullah Omarzai's stay at the crease was brief, as he departed for a duck, caught by Tanzid Hasan off Rishad Hossain.

Mohammad Nabi contributed a valuable 22 runs off 30 balls, including a six, providing some much-needed impetus to the innings. His experience was crucial in navigating the tricky middle overs and adding some respectability to the score. Nangeyalia Kharote added 13 runs before being run out by Tanzid Hasan, while Rashid Khan's cameo was cut short as he was caught by Tanvir Islam off Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a single run. AM Ghazanfar played a late-innings cameo, scoring 22 runs off just 18 balls, including two boundaries and a six, adding vital runs towards the end. Bashir Ahmad remained not out on 0, as Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 190/9 in 44.5 overs.

Bangladesh's Bowling Effort

Bangladesh's bowling performance was a mixed bag. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets for 35 runs in his 7 overs. His ability to strike early and late in the innings proved crucial in restricting Afghanistan. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also impressed, taking 3 wickets for 42 runs in his 10 overs. His control and variations posed significant challenges for the Afghan batsmen. Tanvir Islam bowled economically, picking up 1 wicket for 35 runs in his 10 overs. Rishad Hossain chipped in with 2 wickets for 37 runs in 9.5 overs, but Mustafizur Rahman went wicketless, conceding 38 runs in his 8 overs.

Bangladesh Innings: A Dismal Failure

Chasing a target of 191, Bangladesh's innings never really took off. They were bundled out for a paltry 109 in just 28.3 overs, a shocking display of batting. The Afghan bowlers exploited the conditions brilliantly, making early inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Tanzid Hasan's struggles continued as he was dismissed for a duck, caught by Bashir Ahmad off Azmatullah Omarzai. Saif Hassan showed some promise with 22 runs off 23 balls, including three boundaries and a six, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out for 7, further denting Bangladesh's hopes. Towhid Hridoy contributed 24 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries, but he was unable to convert his start into a substantial score. Mehidy Hasan Miraz's struggles with the bat continued as he was dismissed for just 4 runs, lbw to Azmatullah Omarzai.

The middle and lower order offered little resistance. Jaker Ali scored 18 runs off 43 balls, but his slow scoring rate only added to the pressure. Nurul Hasan contributed 15 runs, including two boundaries, before being dismissed by Rashid Khan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was out for a duck, lbw to Rashid Khan, while Rishad Hossain managed just 5 runs before being stumped by Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Rashid Khan. Tanvir Islam also fell for a duck, lbw to Rashid Khan, completing a miserable performance for the Bangladesh batting lineup. Mustafizur Rahman remained not out on 5, as Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 109.

Afghanistan's Bowling Masterclass

Afghanistan's bowling attack was relentless, with Azmatullah Omarzai leading the charge with 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 7 overs. His ability to swing the ball and extract movement off the pitch proved too difficult for the Bangladesh batsmen. Rashid Khan showcased his world-class skills, taking 5 wickets for just 17 runs in 8.3 overs. His variations and control were instrumental in dismantling the Bangladesh middle and lower order. Nangeyalia Kharote chipped in with 1 wicket for 22 runs in his 7 overs, while AM Ghazanfar bowled economically but went wicketless. Bashir Ahmad, despite going for 22 runs in 2 overs, took important catches.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments defined the match. The early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Bangladesh an initial advantage, but Ibrahim Zadran's resilient innings helped Afghanistan regain control. Zadran's near-century was the backbone of the Afghanistan innings. The collapse of the Bangladesh batting lineup, triggered by the dismissals of Saif Hassan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, sealed their fate. Rashid Khan's devastating spell in the middle overs, where he picked up crucial wickets, ensured that Bangladesh never recovered.

Post-Match Analysis and Implications

Afghanistan's victory was built on a solid batting performance by Ibrahim Zadran and a disciplined bowling effort led by Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan. Their ability to build partnerships and maintain pressure throughout the match was crucial. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were let down by their batting lineup, which failed to cope with the Afghan bowling attack. Their bowlers performed reasonably well, but their batsmen failed to capitalize on the opportunities. This win gives Afghanistan a significant boost in the series. Bangladesh will need to regroup and address their batting woes if they are to bounce back in the remaining matches.

Player of the Match

Ibrahim Zadran was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of 95 runs. His resilience and composure under pressure were instrumental in setting up Afghanistan's victory.

What's Next?

Both teams will now look ahead to the next match in the series. Afghanistan will be aiming to build on their winning momentum, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the series. Expect changes to the Bangladesh batting lineup. They will need to find a way to counter the Afghan bowling attack and put up a more competitive performance.

Match Summary

Afghanistan: 190/9 (44.5 overs) (Ibrahim Zadran 95, Mohammad Nabi 22, AM Ghazanfar 22; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3/42, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2/35, Rishad Hossain 2/37)
Bangladesh: 109 (28.3 overs) (Towhid Hridoy 24, Saif Hassan 22; Rashid Khan 5/17, Azmatullah Omarzai 3/27, Nangeyalia Kharote 1/22)

Result: Afghanistan won by 81 runs

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Series: Bangladesh tour of United Arab Emirates 2025/26

Additional Notes: This ODI was the second in the series. Afghanistan displayed a superior performance in all departments, securing a well-deserved victory. Bangladesh's batting lineup requires immediate attention if they are to compete effectively in the remainder of the tour.