Afghanistan are on the verge of a third consecutive ODI series win over Bangladesh after their five-wicket victory in the first match in Abu Dhabi. Having won the last two series in 2023 and 2024, Afghanistan have now turned the contest into a familiar rivalry. The win was also a morale booster after five consecutive losses in international cricket.
Azmatullah Omarzai starred with both bat and ball, scoring a vital 40 in the chase and taking three wickets. Rashid Khan supported with a match-turning spell of 3 for 38, surpassing 200 ODI wickets in the process. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s composed innings under pressure laid the foundation, while Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi played crucial roles in holding the batting together. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote bowled tightly, conceding just 31 runs and picking up a key wicket. These consistent performances make Afghanistan a dangerous side in ODIs.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, struggled for consistency and have won just two ODIs in the past year. They squandered a good start, losing wickets cheaply despite a 101-run fourth-wicket stand. Rashid Khan exploited their vulnerabilities, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, and Nurul Hasan lbw. Bangladesh also missed Rishad Hossain, who could have strengthened their spin options. They will need to adapt better to Abu Dhabi’s slow conditions if they are to keep the series alive.
Rahmat Shah remains an unsung hero for Afghanistan, anchoring the innings with a crucial half-century alongside Gurbaz, and enabling others to play freely. For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto has struggled for form, scoring only 37 runs in the last series, and must deliver as a key No. 3 batter.
Afghanistan are expected to field an unchanged side, while Bangladesh could bring in Rishad Hossain to strengthen their spin attack. Abu Dhabi’s slow pitch will again test both sides, with batters needing to adapt for scoring. Afghanistan’s consistent performances suggest they are in strong contention for another series win.
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