SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — Afghanistan overpowered Bangladesh in their first match of the One Day International series on Wednesday, claiming a decisive 92-run victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan faced early setbacks as top-order batsmen Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal, and Azmatullah Omarzai were dismissed in quick succession. A stabilizing partnership between Gulbadin Naib and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi helped steady the innings before veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi delivered an impressive performance, scoring 84 runs off 79 balls. Afghanistan set a target of 235 runs.
Bangladesh began their innings with a solid start but quickly fell to Afghanistan’s spin attack. Young spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar was exceptional, taking six wickets for 26 runs in just 6.3 overs, effectively dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s convincing win has set the tone for the series, with the second ODI scheduled for November 9.
