Afghanistan is set to play Bangladesh in the third and final One-Day International of their three-match series on Tuesday, already leading 2-0 and eyeing their first-ever ODI series whitewash against the visitors.
Afghanistan’s bowlers powered them to victory in the second
match, defending a modest total of 190 by bowling Bangladesh out for just 109.
The result reflected the growing confidence gap between the two sides, with
Afghanistan dominating through disciplined bowling and Bangladesh struggling
for form and consistency.
Azmatullah Omarzai struck early in the second ODI, removing
three of Bangladesh’s top four batters. Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan fell
trying to force the pace, while Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out. Rashid Khan
then took charge, dismantling the middle and lower order with trademark
precision as Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan mistimed aggressive strokes.
Nangeyalia Kharote added to the damage, dismissing Jaker Ali during Rashid’s
spell.
Afghanistan’s batting, however, remains an area of concern.
Despite collapsing through the middle overs, opener Ibrahim Zadran anchored the
innings with a patient 140-ball knock, scoring only four boundaries but
ensuring his side batted deep into the 45th over. He found brief support from
Kharote and A.M. Ghazanfar as Afghanistan posted 190 — the lowest total batting
first in 55 matches in Abu Dhabi — yet it proved more than enough.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered from the outset. Their top order
failed to establish a platform, and the middle order succumbed to Rashid’s
spin. “I think we have to sometimes play the ball, not the bowler,” said
Bangladesh spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed after the match, reflecting on the
team’s struggles against Afghanistan’s spin attack.
While Bangladesh’s bowlers and fielders have shown
discipline — their pace attack outperforming Afghanistan’s in patches — the
batting unit has yet to deliver. They scored 221 in the first ODI, which
Afghanistan chased with five wickets to spare, and have since struggled to
adapt to the slow Abu Dhabi surface.
Afghanistan will now look to complete a clean sweep, while
Bangladesh will be playing for pride — and a chance to salvage confidence
before heading home.
