Afghanistan Stun Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi to Take 1-0 Lead in ODI Series
Abu Dhabi | October 8, 2025 — Afghanistan have drawn first blood in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, securing a convincing five-wicket victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday. All-round brilliance from Azmatullah Omarzai, a captain’s calmness from Hashmatullah Shahidi, and late fireworks from Mohammad Nabi powered the hosts to chase down Bangladesh’s 221 with 17 balls to spare.
The win comes as a significant morale boost for Afghanistan, who were swept 3-0 in the preceding T20I series. Switching formats, however, brought a transformation in approach and execution, marking their first win of the tour.
Bangladesh’s Early Stumble Proves Costly
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh’s innings never truly found rhythm. Openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan showed intent but failed to convert their starts, as Omarzai struck twice in a fiery new-ball spell. At 47 for 3, the visitors looked in danger of collapsing before skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60) and Towhid Hridoy (56) stitched together a 101-run partnership to steady the innings.
But just as Bangladesh began to push towards a competitive total, a mix-up led to Hridoy’s run-out. Within a span of overs, Mehidy too was trapped lbw by Rashid Khan, who became only the second-fastest spinner to reach 200 ODI wickets. The collapse continued with Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan falling cheaply, leaving Bangladesh all out for 221 in 48.5 overs.
“Another 30–40 runs could have made a difference,” admitted captain Miraz post-match. “We didn’t get partnerships at crucial stages, and that cost us.”
Gurbaz and Rahmat Anchor the Chase
Afghanistan’s reply began with aggression. Ibrahim Zadran cracked three early boundaries before falling to Tanvir Islam’s sharp turn. His dismissal, coupled with the cheap exit of Sediqullah Atal, slowed the innings.
It was then over to Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, who played patiently against tight Bangladesh bowling. The pair endured a painstaking stretch of 73 deliveries without a boundary but added 78 valuable runs for the third wicket. Both reached fifties, though their dismissals in quick succession brought the match back to balance.
Afghanistan’s dugout looked tense until Omarzai, promoted up the order, launched a counterattack.
Omarzai Shifts Momentum, Nabi Finishes in Style
Omarzai showcased his growing reputation as Afghanistan’s clutch performer. He dismantled Mehidy with a four and a six before cracking three consecutive boundaries off Tanzim Hasan in the 43rd over. His quickfire 40 off 44 balls tilted the chase firmly in Afghanistan’s favor.
Though he fell before the finish line, Shahidi (34* off 56) and veteran Mohammad Nabi ensured there were no late hiccups. Fittingly, Nabi launched Saif Hassan over long-off for six to seal the victory — a moment that sent Afghan fans into raptures.
“Switching formats gave us a fresh start,” said skipper Shahidi after the match. “We bowled with discipline, and the batters showed maturity. I’m especially proud of Omarzai, who is proving himself in both departments.”
Milestones and Turning Points
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Rashid Khan’s 200th ODI wicket: The leg-spinner reached the landmark in just 115 matches, making him the second-fastest spinner to the feat.
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Rahmat Shah crosses 4,000 ODI runs, becoming the first Afghan batter to reach the milestone.
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Omarzai’s all-round show (3 wickets, 40 runs) earned him the Player of the Match award.
For Bangladesh, the absence of senior pacer Mustafizur Rahman, rested for workload management, raised eyebrows. On a tacky pitch that rewarded variation, his presence might have altered the outcome.
What’s Next?
With the series standing at 1-0, the second ODI on October 11 in Abu Dhabi is now a must-win for Bangladesh. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum and wrap up the series early.
As both teams regroup, one storyline is clear: Afghanistan’s rise in ODI cricket continues to gather pace, powered by a mix of youthful exuberance and experienced heads. For Bangladesh, it is yet another reminder that consistency remains their Achilles’ heel.