CHITTAGONG: Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant century propelled Afghanistan to a commanding 142-run win over Bangladesh on Saturday, securing victory in their three-match one-day international series.
After a tumultuous week for Bangladesh, which saw captain Tamim Iqbal announcing his retirement only to reverse his decision the next day, the team was hoping to put the distractions aside. Afghanistan’s openers, Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, set the stage for an imposing total of 331-9 in Chittagong with their record-breaking 256-run partnership.
Afghan Bowlers Dismantles Bangladesh Batting
The Afghan bowlers then dismantled Bangladesh, bowling them out for 189 in the 44th over. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were the stars with the ball, claiming three wickets each as Afghanistan sealed the victory. This triumph marks only the second time in the past seven years that a team has won an ODI series in Bangladesh, with England being the other victorious side.
Mushfiqur Rahim was the top-scorer for Bangladesh, battling valiantly with 69 runs. However, the hosts were left reeling at 72-6 before a resilient partnership of 87 runs between Mushfiqur and Mehidy Hasan provided some resistance. Mehidy’s dismissal by Mujeeb put an end to their fight, as Mushfiqur eventually fell to Farooqi, leaving Bangladesh all out with their last man unable to bat.
In the first match of the series, Bangladesh had chosen to bowl first after stand-in captain Litton Das won the toss. However, they struggled to make an impact on a green surface as Afghanistan surged towards their highest-ever score against Bangladesh. Gurbaz was the standout performer, smashing an impressive 145 off 125 balls, including 13 fours and eight sixes.
While a few wickets fell after his dismissal, Ibrahim Zadran contributed a valuable century of his own with a score of 100 from 119 deliveries. The series took a dramatic turn with Tamim’s retirement announcement, followed by his subsequent reversal after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tamim will now take a six-week break and return for the Asia Cup. The third and final match of the series will be played at the same venue on July 11.
