Afghanistan Clinches ODI Series Against Bangladesh With Rahmanullah Gurbaz's Century In 3rd Match

In a thrilling third ODI at Sharjah, Afghanistan secured the series against Bangladesh with a five-wicket victory. They successfully chased down 245 runs with ten balls to spare on Monday, November 11. This win marked Afghanistan's third consecutive ODI series triumph.

Afghanistan's chase was anchored by Rahmanullah Gurbaz's impressive century and Azmatullah Omarzai's crucial innings. Despite Bangladesh's bowlers putting up a fight, Afghanistan maintained control to clinch the win.

Bangladesh chose to bat first but faced early setbacks as Afghanistan's bowlers struck regularly. Soumya Sarkar scored a brisk 24, while Tanzid Hasan added a cautious 19, providing some stability at the start. However, quick wickets left Bangladesh struggling at 58/3.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a gritty knock of 66 runs, forming a vital partnership with Mahmudullah. Mahmudullah shone under pressure with an explosive 98 off 98 balls, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes.

The duo added 145 runs for the fifth wicket, lifting Bangladesh to a competitive total of 244/8. Their partnership shifted momentum after a shaky start, but Azmatullah Omarzai's four-wicket haul kept Bangladesh in check on the challenging pitch.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz laid a solid foundation for Afghanistan with his composed century (101 off 120 balls). His patient yet commanding innings included seven sixes and five fours, helping Afghanistan recover from an initial setback at 84/3.

Azmatullah Omarzai supported Gurbaz with an unbeaten 70 off 77 balls, crucially steadying Afghanistan's chase. His innings was vital as debutant Nahid Rana applied pressure with his excellent control.

Nahid Rana impressed with figures of 2/40 in his ten overs, troubling Afghan batters with pace and precision. He claimed key wickets of Sediqullah Atal and Gulbadin Naib, offering timely breakthroughs for Bangladesh.

Mohammad Nabi contributed a late cameo of 34 off 27 balls, adding momentum in the closing stages. His experience shone through as he countered Bangladesh’s bowlers alongside Omarzai.

Nasum Ahmed maintained tight bowling for Bangladesh, conceding just 24 runs from his ten overs. However, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman leaked runs under pressure.

Despite valiant efforts from Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz earlier in the day, Bangladesh's total of 244 wasn't enough to prevent Afghanistan from winning this bilateral series.