When Rashid Khan turned his leg‑spin into a three‑for‑38 spell, Afghanistan clinched a five‑wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The win gave the Afghanistan side a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match ODI series and sent a clear message ahead of the 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Bangladesh 221 all out (48.5 overs)
- Afghanistan chase: 222/5 (49.3 overs)
- Rashid Khan: 3/38 (10 overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 50 (76 balls)
- Attendance: ~8,500 spectators
How the Match Unfolded
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored the innings with a gritty 60 off 87 balls, while Towhid Hridoy added 56 with three sixes. A 67‑run partnership gave Bangladesh hope, but the middle order faltered as Rashid Khan found his rhythm. His third wicket – bowled Saif Hassan for a duck – turned the tide.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 221, a modest total on a flat Abu Dhabi pitch. The spotlight then shifted to Afghanistan's chase, where captain Hashmatullah Shahidi set the tone with a composed half‑century.
Afghanistan’s Batting Response
Opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz paced the innings with a measured 50, anchoring the chase when wickets fell at regular intervals. All‑rounder Azmatullah Omarzai accelerated the run‑rate, smashing 40 off just 44 balls. A late flurry from Shahidi and Omarzai stitched together the final overs, and Afghanistan crossed the line with seven balls to spare.
Key Figures Behind the Scenes
The series is organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), led by CEO Naseeb Khan. Across the border, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selected a squad aimed at fine‑tuning skills before the upcoming Asia Cup.
The match was staged at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, a venue that holds about 16,000 fans and has hosted dozens of international fixtures. DP World, the global logistics giant, supplied the title sponsorship, underscoring the commercial appeal of Asian cricket in the Gulf.
Reactions from the Captains
At the post‑match press conference, Shahidi praised his side’s discipline: “Rashid’s spell in the middle overs changed the game, and our top order showed maturity in chasing a tricky target.” On the flip side, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto conceded that the team “didn’t bat as long as we should have” and vowed to regroup before the second ODI.
Why This Win Matters
Statistically, this is Afghanistan’s third straight ODI win over Bangladesh, taking the head‑to‑head tally to five wins out of eight encounters since their first meeting in 2014. More importantly, the victory bolsters Afghanistan’s confidence as they sit seventh in the ICC ODI rankings, just behind Bangladesh (fifth). Both teams are using this series as a final rehearsal before the DP World Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 15, 2025, in Dubai.
Looking Ahead
The second ODI is slated for October 11, 2024, with the third following on October 14, both at the same Abu Dhabi venue. Beyond the series, the two sides could clash again in the Asia Cup’s group stage on September 16, 2025, a potential knockout‑or‑nothing encounter that could reshape the tournament’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Afghanistan’s win affect its World Cup preparation?
The victory boosts Afghanistan’s morale and sharpens its bowling attack ahead of the 2025 World Cup. With Rashid Khan at peak form, the team can enter the tournament with a balanced side capable of defending modest totals.
What were the key tactical changes Bangladesh made after the loss?
Bangladesh’s coaching staff said they’ll promote a more aggressive top‑order approach and tighten field placements during the middle overs, where Rashid Khan exploited the gaps.
Who are the standout performers for Afghanistan in this match?
Rashid Khan’s three wickets, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s fifty, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s brisk 40-run cameo were the main highlights that turned the chase in Afghanistan’s favor.
What is the significance of the Zayed Cricket Stadium for Asian cricket?
Located in Abu Dhabi, the venue offers world‑class facilities and a neutral ground for teams from the sub‑continent, making it a preferred stop for ICC and ACC tournaments.
When and where will the teams meet again in the Asia Cup?
The next clash is scheduled for September 16, 2025, as Match 9 of the DP World Asia Cup 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Write a comment