Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday, chasing down a 222-run target with 17 balls to spare.
Bangladesh, who won the toss and opted to bat first, were bowled out for 221 runs in 48.5 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with 60 off 87 balls, while Towhid Hridoy added 56. Afghanistan’s bowling attack was led by Azmatullah Omarzai, who took 3 wickets for 40 runs, and Rashid Khan, who claimed 3 for 38. Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2 wickets for 55, restricting Bangladesh’s middle order.
In reply, Afghanistan reached 226 for 5 in 47.1 overs. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz anchored the innings with a steady 50 off 76 balls, while Riaz Hassan Shah also scored 50 off 70 deliveries. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 33, guiding his side to victory alongside Mohammad Nabi, who hit a quick 11 not out from 8 balls.
Azmatullah Omarzai contributed an important 40 off 44 balls, ensuring Afghanistan maintained control during the chase despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Bangladesh’s bowling struggled to make breakthroughs, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib taking 3 wickets for 55 runs, while Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up one wicket each.
The win gives Afghanistan a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second match is scheduled later this week, as Afghanistan look to clinch the series and build momentum ahead of their next international fixtures.
