Abu Dhabi, 15 October (H.S.): Afghanistan produced a dominant all-around performance to crush Bangladesh by 200 runs in the third ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night, securing a 3-0 series clean sweep. The victory marks Afghanistan’s fifth consecutive ODI series win and served as sweet revenge after they were whitewashed 0-3 by Bangladesh in the preceding T20I series.Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 293 for 9 in their 50 overs.

The innings was anchored by a superb 95 from Ibrahim Zadran, who built a solid foundation with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40) in a 99-run opening partnership. Later, Mohammad Nabi provided a blistering finish, smashing a quickfire 62 off just 37 balls, including 45 runs from his last 14 deliveries, to propel his team to a commanding score.

In reply, Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was skittled out for a mere 93 in just 27.1 overs. Pacer Bilal Sami was the chief destroyer, ripping through the batting order to claim his maiden five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 33. He was ably supported by leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who took 3 for 12.

Bangladesh’s chase never gained momentum after losing Mohammad Naim in the ninth over, which triggered a catastrophic collapse. From a precarious 70 for 3, they slumped to 81 for 8. Opener Saif Hassan was the lone warrior, scoring 43, but he found no support as no other batsman managed to reach double figures.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 293/9 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 95, Mohammad Nabi 62; Tanvir Islam 2/46).

Bangladesh: 93 all out in 27.1 overs (Saif Hassan 43; Bilal Sami 5/33, Rashid Khan 3/12).

Result: Afghanistan won by 200 runs.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar