Tigers end their losing streak by finishing the ODI series against Afghanistan 1-1

After a frustrating series of defeats, Bangladesh finally secured a confidence-boosting victory by beating Afghanistan by 68 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday.

With this much-needed victory, the Tigers leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a decisive third game.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim made a flying start and scored 22 off 17 balls, before being dismissed by Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, taking Bangladesh’s total to 28.

After Tanzid’s departure, Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto formed a crucial partnership that stabilized the innings. Soumya showed his intent, but could not make more than a half-century, scoring 35 off 49 balls before being trapped LBW by Rashid Khan, leaving Bangladesh on 99 all out. The road to a precious half-century.

Fourth-placed Mehidy Hasan Miraz looked composed while partnering Shanto. Shanto’s run rate decreased as his innings progressed, but he managed to reach fifty. However, Miraz was dismissed by Rashid Khan on 22 off 33 balls, and Rashid Khan attacked him with a sharp jibe, leaving Bangladesh on 152.

While Towhid Hridoy added 11 runs from 16 balls before departing, Shanto was eventually dismissed on 183 and caught by Mohammad Nabi for 76 off 119 balls at Nangyalaya Kharote. Bangladesh came under pressure again as Mahmudullah Riyad followed soon after, scoring just 3 goals from 9 balls.

Debutants Jaker Ali Anik and Nasum Ahmed, returning to international cricket after a year, provided a much-needed boost in the finals. Both paced Bangladesh’s total by adopting an aggressive approach. While Jaker made 37 off 27 balls to remain undefeated, Nasum also contributed with 25 off 24 balls. Thanks to their efforts, Bangladesh finished the match 252-7 ahead after 50 overs.

For Afghanistan, Nangialaia Kharote was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar took two wickets each.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a bad start; Taskin Ahmed dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz with just 2 men, taking Afghanistan’s total to 18.

Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah anchored the innings with a promising partnership. Atal scored 39 off 51 balls before being dismissed by Nasum Ahmed, who returned to the side. Meanwhile, Rahmat retained his place and kept Afghanistan in the contest by reaching fifty.

Rahmat Shah, who was fifty years old, escaped as a result of confusion and foiled Afghanistan’s pursuit. Soon after, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai were also dismissed, with Afghanistan falling further behind, losing three wickets in the space of six balls.

Gulbedin Naib showed some resistance, scoring 26 off 25 balls, but was dismissed by Shariful Islam. In the next over, Mehidi Hasan Miraz took the key wicket of Mohammad Nabi as Afghanistan’s batting line-up began to disintegrate.

Miraz continued his fine spell and removed Kharote while Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Rashid Khan, who scored 14 off 16 balls. Ghazanfar was the last wicket to fall, caught by Nasum for 1, securing Bangladesh’s 68-run victory as Afghanistan were bowled out for 184.

While Nasum took three wickets, Mustafizur and Miraz took two wickets each. Taskin and Shariful added a wicket each, providing all-round teamwork to secure the win. Bangladesh’s victory brings the series level, with Tuesday’s final match now decisive.