In a high-stakes second ODI match held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 68 runs to even out the three-match series. After electing to bat, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 252-7 in their 50 overs, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s steady 76 runs.
Najmul anchored the innings with two solid partnerships, adding 71 runs with Soumya Sarkar (35) for the second wicket and 60 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (22). Despite a mid-innings wobble, debutant Jaker Ali (37*), alongside Nasum Ahmed (25), rallied with a 46-run stand for the seventh wicket, ensuring Bangladesh reached 252. Afghanistan’s bowlers put up a strong fight, with left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote picking up 3-28, while Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed two wickets each.
Afghanistan’s Chase
Afghanistan struggled in the chase, bowled out for 184 in 43.3 overs. Although Rahmat Shah scored 52 and opener Sediqullah Atal added 39, their efforts fell short as the spin-friendly conditions and disciplined bowling from Bangladesh turned the game around. Nasum Ahmed led the attack with 3-28, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman each took two wickets.
A mix-up between Rahmat and Gulbadin Naib resulted in a run-out that shifted the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favor. Contributions from Naib (26), Mohammad Nabi (17), and Rashid Khan (14) kept Afghanistan’s hopes alive, but Bangladesh’s spinners stifled them.
Afghan Bowlers Tighten Grip, Restrict Bangladesh’s Scoring
Post-Match Reactions
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited the bowlers: “The wicket was difficult, especially against spinners. The way Miraz and Nasum were bowling, credit goes to them.” Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, acknowledged the challenge of batting under lights: “It was tough to bat in the second innings, especially on a used wicket.”
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