Bangladesh Knocked Out of Tri-Series After Seven-Wicket Defeat to Afghanistan

Afghanistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ODI tri-series in the United Arab Emirates. Following a disciplined bowling performance, Afghanistan chased down the target with 87 balls to spare, thanks to a composed unbeaten 67-run knock from Rahmat Shah.

Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start after being put under immense pressure by Afghanistan’s bowlers. The Tigers lost four wickets for just 38 runs within the first 10 overs, leaving the team in deep trouble. Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan then staged a recovery with a fifth-wicket partnership. The duo added a slow but valuable 50 runs off 90 balls, helping Bangladesh reach the 100-run mark in the 26th over.

The partnership came to an end when Saif Hassan was dismissed by Mohammad Nabi for 41 off 82 balls. However, Emon continued to fight at the other end, anchoring the innings with a determined effort. He scored a team-high 70 off 96 balls, including five fours and two sixes, before falling to Rashid Khan. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 160 in 41.2 overs.

Afghanistan also had a somewhat shaky start to their chase of 161. The visitors lost two wickets while scoring 42 runs in the first 10 overs. Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran then steadied the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership off 74 balls, preventing Bangladesh from gaining further momentum. Zadran was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman for 34 off 48 balls, but Rahmat remained firm at the crease.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi comfortably guided Afghanistan through the remainder of the chase. Shahidi provided excellent support with 36 off 54 balls, while Rahmat brought up his half-century off 66 balls and remained unbeaten on 67 from 90 deliveries. Their unbroken 50-run partnership off 70 balls helped Afghanistan reach 161 for three in just 35.3 overs, sealing a comfortable victory and ending Bangladesh’s campaign in the tri-series.