Ghazanfar’s Six-Wicket Haul Spins Afghanistan to Stunning 92-Run Win Over Bangladesh

Afghanistan stunned Bangladesh with a brilliant display of spin bowling, winning by 92 runs in a dramatic match. After posting 235, Afghanistan watched as Bangladesh collapsed from a solid 120 for 2 to 143 all out, losing 8 wickets for just 23 runs. AM Ghazanfar was the star, taking a career-best 6 for 26, while Rashid Khan chipped in with two wickets to seal the victory.

At the halfway mark of their chase, Bangladesh were in a strong position, needing 118 runs with eight wickets remaining. However, the collapse began when Mohammad Nabi made a fielding change, bringing in a second slip for Shanto. The tactic paid off as Shanto, who had made 47, was dismissed after a top-edge caught by Shahidi. Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Ghazanfar, then ran through the middle order. Ghazanfar’s destructive spell saw him dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed in quick succession, with Rashid also removing Mahmudullah.

Earlier, Afghanistan had been struggling at 71 for 5 in 20 overs, but a crucial partnership of 104 between Mohammad Nabi (84) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (52) provided the recovery. Nabi’s aggressive knock was crucial, hitting sixes and boundaries, while Shahidi played a patient, steady role. Despite some luck going Nabi’s way, the duo steadied the innings and set Afghanistan up for a competitive total.

Taskin and Mustafizur Rahman both took four wickets for Bangladesh, limiting Afghanistan to 235. However, the spinners’ dominance, especially Ghazanfar’s career-best performance, led Afghanistan to a resounding victory, securing a 92-run win.