Abu Dhabi, Oct 9 (V7N) – Bangladesh’s dominance in the recent T20 series against Afghanistan was overshadowed by recurring batting struggles in the first match of the three-match ODI series. Despite a disciplined bowling performance, Bangladesh were unable to set or chase a challenging total, allowing Afghanistan to secure a five-wicket victory.
 
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh aimed for a target of 280 runs, with captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz hoping to pressure the Afghan side. However, shaky batting early in the innings saw the loss of Tanjid (10), Shanto (2), and in-form Saif Hasan (26) by the 50-run mark. Miraz and Towhid Hridoy stabilized the innings, putting together a 101-run partnership over 142 balls. Hridoy was dismissed for 56 from 75 deliveries, which included three sixes and one four, following a run-out in the 36th over.
 
Bangladesh’s fragile batting order meant that after 48.5 overs, the team was all out for 221, well short of the intended 280. Tanzim Hasan Shakib contributed 17 runs off 23 balls, while Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai took three wickets each, disrupting Bangladesh’s innings at critical moments.
 
Chasing 222, Afghanistan began cautiously but gained control as Bangladesh’s early wickets fell. The first Afghan wicket fell at 52, while Bangladesh had already lost three wickets at 53. Ibrahim Zadran (23) and Sediqullah Atal (3) were dismissed in quick succession. Afghanistan then benefited from a stabilizing 78-run partnership between Rahmat Shah and opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who both scored exactly 50 runs each, with Gurbaz facing 76 balls, hitting one four and one six.
 
Although Bangladesh briefly revived hopes by taking two wickets in consecutive overs at 136, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (40 off 44 balls) and Hashmatullah Shahidi guided the chase. Omarzai’s innings included six fours and one six before Shakib claimed his wicket. Mohammad Nabi remained unbeaten on 11, while Afghanistan’s captain finished 33 not out, ensuring a comfortable five-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare.
 
The defeat exposed persistent weaknesses in Bangladesh’s batting lineup, raising questions about the team’s ability to convert T20 success into the longer ODI format. Afghanistan, by contrast, showed composure and depth in their batting order, backed by incisive bowling from Rashid Khan and Omarzai.
 
The second ODI in the series will test whether Bangladesh can address their batting vulnerabilities and mount a comeback in Abu Dhabi.
 
END/WD/AJ/