Afghanistan Sets Challenging Target for Bangladesh Thanks to Nabi's Heroics

The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan kicked off today. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan managed to put up a total of 235 runs on the scoreboard. Mohammad Nabi's crucial innings of 84 runs helped Afghanistan push past the 200-mark.

Bangladesh's pacers played a pivotal role in bowling out Afghanistan before the end of their allotted overs. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman each claimed four wickets.

In the 300th international match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan faced an early setback, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the second over. Taskin Ahmed gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough. Batting at number three, Rahmat Shah could only manage 2 runs, as Mustafizur claimed his wicket in his very first over.

Sediqullah Atal, who impressed with five consecutive fifties in the Emerging Asia Cup, was called up to the national team but couldn’t make a memorable debut. Mustafizur, after dismissing Rahmat Shah in his first over, took two more wickets in his following overs.

Mohammad Nabi reached his 17th ODI fifty off 52 balls. He narrowly escaped being dismissed on the next ball when Mahmudullah Riyad dropped a catch. Following Nabi, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also completed his fifty. However, his innings was cut short by Mustafizur Rahman, who bowled him out, breaking a significant 104-run partnership and delivering an important breakthrough for Bangladesh.