Afghanistan clinches 5‑wicket win over Bangladesh in Etisalat Cup ODI
On , Afghanistan national cricket team chased down Bangladesh national cricket team's total of 221 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, sealing a five‑wicket victory in the 1st ODI of the Etisalat Cup ODI seriesAbu Dhabi. The win gave Afghanistan a 1‑0 lead and marked a swift comeback after a 3‑0 drubbing in the preceding T20I set‑up.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that soon proved costly. Their innings folded at 221 all out in 48.5 overs, with a bright start from Towhid Hridoy (56 off 85) and a gritty 60 from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60 off 87). Early wickets – Tanzid Hasan at 1‑18 and Najmul Hossain Shanto at 2‑25 – set the tone, and a middle‑order partnership between Hridoy and Miraz added only 50 runs before the fall of the fourth wicket at 154.
When Bangladesh reached 221, the scoreboard read 221/10, but the real drama unfolded during Afghanistan’s chase. Rahmanullah Gurbaz opened with composure, nudging a 50‑run knock off 76 balls. Right behind him, Rahmat Shah mirrored the effort with an identical half‑century, anchoring the middle overs. The duo steadied the innings after a brief wobble at 65/3.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40) and the ever‑dangerous Rashid Khan (3/38), kept Bangladesh in check, especially during the Powerplay phases where the visitors rattled up 51 runs for two wickets and 126 runs for three wickets thereafter.
Bangladesh's Batting Collapse
The first ten overs were relatively steady, but the momentum shifted when Bangladesh lost two quick wickets at 1‑18 and 2‑25, leaving the top order exposed. A brief resurgence came as Hridoy and Miraz steadied the score, but the partnership stalled at 50 runs in 82 balls – a pace that favored the Afghan bowlers. The turning point arrived in the 35th over when Hridoy fell for 56, triggering a flurry of wickets that saw Bangladesh tumble from 154/4 to 221 all out.
Key bowling figures for Afghanistan included Rashid Khan’s incisive spell: he bowled eight overs, conceding just 38 runs while snaring three crucial wickets, breaking the back of the Bangladeshi middle order. Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with disciplined lines, taking three wickets for 40 runs in his ten‑over quota.
Afghanistan's Chase: Partnerships and Bowling Highlights
Opening the innings, Hashmatullah Shahidi displayed patience, scoring a measured 33 off 46 balls before falling. The real engine was the opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah. Their combined 100 runs came at a healthy strike rate, easing the pressure of a modest target.
After Shahidi’s wicket, seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi contributed a quick five runs off seven balls, culminating in a six that sparked celebrations across the pavilion. With 17 balls to spare, Nabi’s strike sealed the win, and the crowd erupted as the scoreboard read 226/5.
Reactions and What It Means for the Series
Post‑match, Afghanistan’s captain expressed optimism: “We showed resilience after the T20I setbacks. Our bowlers executed the plan, and the middle order held firm.” In contrast, Bangladesh’s skipper warned that “the thin margins in the powerplays cost us dearly; we must regroup quickly.” Fans on social media echoed both sentiments, with one user noting that the absence of key all‑rounder Mustafizz may have tilted the balance.
The victory puts Afghanistan in a commanding position heading into the second ODI, scheduled three days later at the same venue. A series win would be historic, marking the first time Afghanistan clinches an ODI series against a Full Member nation on foreign soil.
Historical Context: ODI Rivalry Between the Two Nations
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have met sporadically in ODIs since Afghanistan’s elevation to Full Member status in 2017. Prior to this series, Bangladesh held a slight edge, winning three of the last five encounters. However, Afghanistan’s rise in the limited‑overs format has been marked by improved batting depth and a world‑class spin attack led by Rashid Khan.
The Etisalat Cup, sponsored by United Arab Emirates telecom giant Etisalat, provides a rare neutral‑ground platform for both sides to stake a claim in the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification race. A series win for Afghanistan could boost their net run rate, a critical factor in the qualification tables, while Bangladesh will be eager to bounce back and maintain their standing.
- Bangladesh 221/10 (48.5 overs)
- Afghanistan 226/5 (47.1 overs)
- Man of the Match: Rashid Khan (3/38)
- Lead bowler for Bangladesh: Taskin Ahmed (8-0-50-0)
- Umpire overseeing key review: Ahmed Shah Pakteen
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Afghanistan’s win affect their World Cup qualification hopes?
The victory improves Afghanistan’s net run rate, a decisive tiebreaker in the ICC qualification table. With three points secured, they move within striking distance of the top‑four slots, making the next two ODIs crucial for a direct qualification berth.
Which Bangladeshi players underperformed and why?
Top‑order batsmen Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto fell early, exposing the middle order. Their dismissals came from well‑executed spin variations by Rashid Khan, highlighting a lack of adaptation to the UAE pitches that favor turn.
What role did the Emirates conditions play in the match?
The night‑time dew in Abu Dhabi made the ball skid under the lights, aiding the slower spin of Rashid Khan and Omarzai. Conversely, the later overs became a bit humid, which helped Afghanistan’s batsmen time their shots better in the chase.
Who are the likely picks for the next ODI based on this performance?
Afghanistan will likely retain the opening pair of Gurbaz and Shah, while Rashid Khan remains a guaranteed inclusion. Bangladesh may consider promoting all‑rounder Mustafizz, who missed this game, to bolster both batting depth and spin options.
When and where is the next match in the series?
The second ODI is slated for at the same Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, giving both sides a short window to adjust tactics.
