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In the deciding third ODI of the series held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan triumphed over Bangladesh by five wickets to clinch the series 2-1. Azmatullah Omarzai starred with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match title for his all-round performance, as Afghanistan chased down Bangladesh’s total of 244 with 10 balls to spare.
Bangladesh posts a competitive total
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and put up a competitive total of 244/8 in 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (66 off 119 balls) and Mahmudullah (98 off 98 balls), who played a crucial role in reviving the Bangladesh innings after a shaky start. Mahmudullah’s innings, studded with seven fours and three sixes, brought much-needed momentum, while Mehidy provided a steady presence at the crease. Other batters struggled to make significant contributions.
Afghanistan’s bowlers kept things in check, with Omarzai registering figures of 4/37 in his seven overs. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with ball, each taking a wicket.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai shine in Afghanistan’s successful chase
In response, Afghanistan’s chase was powered by a superb century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 101 off 120 deliveries, including five fours and seven sixes. Gurbaz held the innings together despite early dismissals from the top order, with Sediqullah Atal (14), Rahmat Shah (8), and Hashmatullah Shahidi (6) falling cheaply. At 83/4, Afghanistan were in a precarious position, but Gurbaz found able support from Omarzai, who delivered a crucial knock of 70 not out off 77 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes to turn the game in Afghanistan’s favour.
Maarega Maarega to Maar Diya! 🔥
Azmatullah Omarzai takes Afghanistan to the finish line! 👏#AFGvBANonFanCode pic.twitter.com/qAmMHcBdWk
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 11, 2024
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Azmatullah Omarzai finishes it off in a style.
Series victory and that roar made my night. Alhmdulilah#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/nfUrIWOnUn— Wahida Afghan 🇦🇫 (@Kabuli_girl) November 11, 2024
Gulbadin Naib fell early for 1, but Nabi stepped up to finish the chase with an unbeaten 34 off 27 balls, sealing the win at 246/5 in 48.2 overs.
The Bangladesh bowlers fought hard, with Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman each taking two wickets. However, the lack of wickets at regular intervals allowed Afghanistan to stay on course, and the economical spell from Nasum Ahmed (10 overs, 2 maidens, 24 runs) was not enough to contain their aggressive approach.
This victory handed Afghanistan the series win, marking a successful campaign with notable contributions from key players across all three matches.
