Abu Dhabi, October 9(HS):

Afghanistan began their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in style, registering a commanding five-wicket win in the opening encounter on Wednesday night to take a 1–0 lead. A disciplined bowling display led by Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai was complemented by composed half-centuries from Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as Afghanistan successfully chased down a 222-run target in 47.1 overs.

Put in to bat, Bangladesh endured a shaky start as pacer Azmatullah Omarzai struck early, reducing the hosts to 53 for three. Towhid Hridoy (56) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60) steadied the innings with a century partnership for the fourth wicket. However, a mix-up led to Hridoy’s run-out, triggering another collapse. Rashid Khan returned in his third spell to trap Miraz leg-before, marking his 200th ODI wicket, before dismissing Zakir Ali and Nurul Hasan in quick succession.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs, with Rashid taking 3/38, Omarzai 3/40, and Noor Ahmad Ghazanfar claiming two wickets.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a strong start as openers Ibrahim Zadran and Gurbaz added 50 runs within the first 10 overs. Zadran departed for 25, while Gurbaz anchored the innings with a well-paced 50.

Rahmat Shah matched him with another composed half-century, strengthening the middle order. Though both set batters fell soon after reaching their fifties, Omarzai (40) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi stitched a valuable 59-run stand that put Afghanistan firmly in control. Veteran Mohammad Nabi sealed the win with a towering six, guiding his team to 226 for five with 17 balls to spare.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh – 221 in 48.5 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 60, Towhid Hridoy 56; Rashid Khan 3/38, Azmatullah Omarzai 3/40)

Afghanistan – 226/5 in 47.1 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, Rahmat Shah 50; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3/31, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1/32)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar