Cricket Fan 2024/11/12 News

Afghanistan Clinches ODI Series by Beating Bangladesh in the 3rd Match

in the 3rd ODI held in Sharjah on November 11, 2024, Afghanistan took a series victory by defeating Bangladesh with 5 wickets to spare. Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed his eighth ODI century, scoring 139 while chasing a target of 245. Azmatullah Omarzai stood out as the Player of the Match, scoring an unbeaten 70 and taking 4 wickets.

•Afghanistan did face some early hurdles, dropping two catches for Tanzid Hasan and giving away extras, but Omarzai’s second spell broke a 53-run opening partnership by dismissing Soumya Sarkar in his ninth over.

•Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 19 for 4 within the powerplay, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah lifted the team by adding a solid 145 runs for the fifth wicket.

•However, it took them a while to settle, scoring just 49 from the first 74 balls of their partnership.

•In the last 10 overs, Bangladesh managed 78 runs, with Mahmudullah missing his century by just two runs, ending at 98.

•Afghanistan faced their own ups and downs in the chase but took control when Gurbaz and Omarzai partnered for a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket.

•Gurbaz had some luck, with two missed catches at 24 and 48, and a missed stumping, yet he reached his century in the 38th over.

•Afghanistan lost Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib with just 63 runs needed from 72 balls.

•Omarzai, however, hit his half-century and wrapped up the match with a six, ending the game in style.

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons praised the partnership between Gurbaz and Omarzai, calling it the turning point of the match. He also lauded Nahid Rana for his ODI debut performance, especially his two wickets, including a blazing 147 km/h delivery that bowled Sediqullah Atal. Simmons commended Mahmudullah’s 98 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 66 for stabilizing Bangladesh during a tough phase.