Afghanistan Eye Third Straight ODI Series Win Over Bangladesh

Afghanistan Eye Third Straight ODI Series Win Over Bangladesh

Afghanistan are on the brink of clinching their third consecutive ODI series win over Bangladesh, following a convincing five-wicket victory in the first ODI in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. Having already beaten Bangladesh in the 2023 and 2024 ODI series, the momentum is firmly with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men as they head into the second game on Saturday.

The win also ended Afghanistan’s five-match losing streak in international cricket and highlighted their growing maturity as a 50-over side. Azmatullah Omarzai starred with both bat and ball, picking up three wickets before contributing a vital 40 in a composed chase. Rashid Khan, returning to form, claimed 3 for 38 and crossed the 200-wicket milestone in ODIs.

Afghanistan's All-Round Strength on Display

The victory wasn’t just about individual brilliance. Afghanistan’s batting unit showed discipline and tactical awareness, particularly Rahmanullah Gurbaz who curbed his natural aggression for a steady knock under pressure. Rahmat Shah once again played the role of a stabilizer, crafting a key half-century and building a crucial 78-run partnership with Gurbaz.

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi provided further support, while Afghanistan’s depth in spin was on full display with four slow bowlers featuring in the XI. Among them, left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote stood out, conceding just 31 runs in his 10 overs and removing opener Saif Hassan.

Bangladesh in Turmoil

In stark contrast, Bangladesh’s ODI form continues to spiral. Their latest defeat marked their tenth loss in 12 ODIs over the past year. Despite a promising 101-run fourth-wicket stand in the first match, the innings unraveled quickly, especially against Rashid Khan, who dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, and Nurul Hasan — all lbw.

Their over-reliance on individual moments and a lack of clarity in team strategy are becoming glaring. Bangladesh also struggled tactically, failing to read the spin-friendly Abu Dhabi pitch — a decision compounded by their omission of legspinner Rishad Hossain in the first ODI.

With the T20I series having gone 3-0 in Bangladesh’s favour earlier on the tour, there were hopes the team could carry momentum into the one-dayers. Instead, they now face a must-win situation to stay alive in the series.

Key Players in Focus

Rahmat Shah (Afghanistan):
The often-underrated middle-order batter remains the backbone of Afghanistan’s ODI team. His steady contributions provide the foundation for the likes of Rashid, Nabi, and Omarzai to shine. His recent half-century was yet another example of his match-winning temperament.

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh):
Once the captain across formats, Shanto is in the midst of a poor run. After a lean series against Sri Lanka and an underwhelming domestic T20 showing, Bangladesh desperately need more from their No. 3 batter, who has been unable to anchor innings or rotate strike effectively.

Team News

Afghanistan are likely to stick with the same XI that delivered a comprehensive win.

Probable XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote, Bashir Ahmad.

Bangladesh are expected to make at least one change, with legspinner Rishad Hossain likely to return to exploit spin-friendly conditions.

Probable XI:
Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan (wk), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Conditions and Pitch Report

The surface at Abu Dhabi is expected to remain slow, offering turn and grip for spinners. Batters will need to work hard to maintain scoring momentum. Temperatures will remain high through the evening.

Stats and Talking Points

  • Bangladesh have now won just two ODIs in the last 12 months, slipping to 10th in the ICC ODI Rankings.

  • Afghanistan played fewer dot balls (53.36%) than Bangladesh, who were bogged down with 168 dot balls in the first ODI.

  • Rahmat Shah is just two runs away from 5000 runs in international cricket and recently became the first Afghan batter to reach 4000 ODI runs.

What’s Next?

The second ODI takes place on Saturday, October 12, where a win for Afghanistan will seal the series. Bangladesh, meanwhile, must find answers — and fast — to avoid another demoralizing ODI defeat.