Afghanistan secured a decisive 92-run victory over Bangladesh in their latest ODI clash, fueled by an exceptional bowling performance from AM Ghazanfar and an invaluable partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi. After setting a target of 236, Afghanistan capitalized on a sudden collapse in Bangladesh’s batting, with Ghazanfar’s career-best 6 for 26 dismantling the opposition.
Afghanistan initially appeared in trouble, having slumped to 71 for 5 by the 20th over. But a crucial 104-run partnership between Nabi and Shahidi stabilized the innings. Nabi’s aggressive 84 off 79 balls contrasted with Shahidi’s composed 52, giving Afghanistan the momentum they needed to reach a defendable total.
Nabi injected urgency, launching multiple sixes, while Shahidi kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and twos. Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, put up a strong fight, each claiming four wickets. However, they could not prevent Afghanistan from reaching 235.
In response, Bangladesh’s chase initially looked promising. By the 26th over, they were 120 for 2, needing just 118 more with eight wickets in hand. Yet a series of dropped catches by Afghanistan’s fielders left opportunities open for Bangladesh. Substitute keeper Ikram Alikhil dropped Najmul Hossain Shanto early, while Nabi and Gulbadin Naib also missed catches.
However, once Ghazanfar joined the attack, he turned the game on its head. Starting with Tanzid Hasan’s wicket in the fourth over, Ghazanfar capitalized on Bangladesh’s faltering focus and sent a string of batters back to the pavilion. His spin variations proved lethal, especially in the 33rd over, where he claimed Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed with expertly bowled carrom balls.
Shanto’s dismissal, a turning point, broke a steady 55-run partnership and slowed Bangladesh’s momentum. From there, Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan swept through the middle and lower order, with Rashid’s googly deceiving Mahmudullah. The wickets continued to tumble until Bangladesh were bowled out for 143, well short of the target.
Afghanistan’s resounding win highlights their growing depth in bowling and their resilience in recovering from early setbacks. Ghazanfar’s six-wicket haul is a new personal best and underscores his role as a key bowler. With this victory, Afghanistan showcased both their bowling prowess and their fighting spirit, making a statement in the series.