Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the third ODI, securing a 2-1 victory in the series. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a century, while Azmatullah Omarzai took four wickets and contributed significantly with the bat. Bangladesh, led by Mahmudullah’s 98, could not defend their total of 244 runs. This victory is Afghanistan’s third consecutive series win in 2023.
In a thrilling encounter at Sharjah, Afghanistan showcased remarkable cricketing prowess, securing a five-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in the third One Day International (ODI). Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai emerged as pivotal figures, with Gurbaz scoring a stunning century (101 runs off 120 balls) and Omarzai contributing an all-round performance by taking four wickets and scoring 70 runs off 77 deliveries. Afghanistan successfully chased down the 245-run target in 48.2 overs, clinching the series with a 2-1 victory. Bangladesh had set the stage with a total of 244 for 8, bolstered by Mohammad Mahmudullah’s valiant 98 runs and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s supporting 66 runs. Afghanistan’s chase faced early challenges as they stumbled to 84 for 3. However, a crucial partnership of 100 runs between Gurbaz and Omarzai revitalized their efforts. Gurbaz hit seven sixes and five boundaries in his eighth ODI century, while Omarzai hit five sixes, ultimately powering Afghanistan to victory after a steady performance from Mohammad Nabi, who contributed 34 runs. This series win marks Afghanistan’s third consecutive ODI series victory this year, having previously triumphed over both Ireland and South Africa. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly under challenging conditions. In contrast, Bangladesh, playing without injured captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, witnessed a fifth-wicket partnership that partially salvaged their innings, but were unable to secure victory. As the match concluded, Omarzai’s impressive bowling performance was crucial to Afghanistan’s success, achieving a career-best figure of 4 for 37. The series showcased Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket as they continued to develop their talent and resilience, setting the stage for future encounters in this competitive format.
The recent ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh highlighted the evolving dynamics of cricket, particularly within the context of Afghanistan’s rise as a formidable force in the sport. This match further exemplified how emerging players like Gurbaz and Omarzai are transforming the team’s capabilities. The series consisted of three matches, underscoring the importance of consistency and depth in the squad, especially against established cricketing nations such as Bangladesh.
In summary, Afghanistan’s triumph in the third ODI not only clinched the series against Bangladesh but also underscored their growing confidence and competency on the international stage. The standout performances from Gurbaz and Omarzai serve as a testament to the potential within the team. Captain Shahidi’s leadership was crucial during challenging moments, reflecting a hopeful future for Afghan cricket as they strive for further achievements in upcoming matches.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
