Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan star in Afghanistan’s series-clinching win over Bangladesh in the 2nd ODI

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Afghanistan sealed a memorable ODI series victory against Bangladesh with a commanding 81-run win in the second match at Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The triumph handed the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, marking another significant milestone in their growing stature as a formidable ODI side.

Batting first on a sluggish pitch, Afghanistan relied heavily on opener Ibrahim Zadran, who produced a masterclass in patience and temperament. The right-hander crafted a well-calculated 95 off 140 deliveries, anchoring the innings while wickets fell around him. His knock, featuring just three boundaries and a six, reflected his adaptability on a challenging surface where timing the ball was never easy.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal perished early to Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling, leaving Zadran to rebuild. He found brief support from veteran Mohammad Nabi (22 off 30) and teenager Allah Ghazanfar (22 off 18), whose late cameo ensured Afghanistan crossed the 180-mark. Despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/42) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/35) putting the brakes on the scoring rate, Afghanistan managed 190 in 44.5 overs, a total that proved more than competitive given the conditions.

Also READ: Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round effort guides Afghanistan to emphatic win over Bangladesh in 1st ODI

Bangladesh’s chase never got going as Azmatullah Omarzai struck in the very first over, dismissing Tanzid Hasan for a duck with a perfect outswinger. The visitors’ troubles compounded when Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out after a mix-up, leaving them reeling at 10 for 2.

Although Saif Hassan tried to counterattack with a flurry of boundaries, his aggression was short-lived as Omarzai had him caught at third man for 22. The seamer then trapped Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan lbw for 4, effectively breaking the backbone of the chase.

With Bangladesh struggling at 50 for 4, Rashid Khan entered the attack and immediately turned the game on its head. The Afghan spin wizard displayed his full range, deceiving Towhid Hridoy with a quicker leg-break before cleaning up Nurul Hasan and Tanzim Hasan in quick succession. Rashid’s relentless pressure and immaculate control left Bangladesh clueless against his variations.

The leg-spinner went on to finish with stunning figures of 5 for 22 in 7.3 overs, while Omarzai chipped in with 3 for 27. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 109 in 28.3 overs, falling well short of the target. The victory not only sealed the series but also highlighted Afghanistan’s growing consistency in ODI cricket.

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