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Bangladesh were no match for Afghanistan in the second ODI of the three-ODI series at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, as they suffered a massive 81-run loss in a low-scoring encounter. After Ibrahim Zadran's patient 95 off 140 balls and a few cameos helped Afghanistan post 190 before getting bowled out, pace-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai's early scalps and Rashid Khan's fifer helped them bundled out Bangladesh for 109 in 28.3 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan look early wickets, Shah retired out
After opting to bat first, Afghanistan did not get off to an ideal start. Tanzim Hasan Sakib dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz early. Sediqullah Atal fell to Tanvir Islam for a single-digit score whereas Rahmat Shah was taken off the field as he suffered a calf injury. Skipper Shahidi could not contribute much to the scoreboard as he got knocked over by skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 18th over. In the next over, Omarzai was dismissed for a three-ball duck by Rishad Hossain. Practically, Afghanistan lost half their side for 79 in the 19th over as Rahmat was retired hurt.
Zadran misses well-deserved ton
In the 23rd over, Zadran reached his fifty from 70 balls. Mohammad Nabi tried to accelerate but Bangladesh tightened the screws. Sakib returned to dismiss Nabi for a 30-ball 22. Zadran and Nageyalia Kharote knocked the ball around for singles. In the 38th over, Kharote was run out trying to take a second run. In the same over, Rashid lost his wicket as well. Allah Ghazanfar provided the much-needed push as he hit Mustafizur Rahman for two fours and a six in the 41st over. Zadran's knock came to an end in the 44th over as Miraz claimed his third. The opener scored 95 runs from 140 balls, featuring three fours and a six. Ghazanfar lost his wicket to Hossain in the 45th over. He scored 22 runs from 18 balls. Rahmat walked out to bat with a torn calf muscle. He faced just one delivery but could not continue. He was taken off the field on a wheelchair. Afghanistan were all out for 190 in 44.5 overs.
Omarzai gets the new ball talking
Failed with the bat, Omarzai started with a wicket-maiden. Tanzid Hasan departed without troubling the scorers. Najmul Hossain Shanto got run out trying to take a risky second run. In his fourth over, Omarzai was hit for a four and a six before Saif Hassan found the fielder at third man. In his sixth over with the new ball, Omarzai trapped Miraz in front of the stumps for a single-digit score. Then, Rashid got into the act. Towhid Hridoy went for the wild slog and paid the price. He got knocked over for a 34-ball 24. Bangladesh lost five wickets for 79 runs in the 17th over.
Rashid wraps it up
Bangladesh could not recover after that. In the 23rd over, Rashid struck off consecutive deliveries to dismiss Nurul Hasan and Sakib. Then, Kharote ended Jaker Ali's stay at the crease. He scored 18 runs from 43 balls. Bangladesh completed 100 runs in the 25th over. They could not get far as Rashid completed his fifer and Bangladesh were bowled out for 109 in 28.3 overs.
Bangladesh’s struggle continues
Rashid became only eighth spinner to take a fifer against Bangladesh in ODIs. Zadran was named 'Player of the match' for his gritty 95 despite wickets falling at the other end. It seems like Bangladesh who are placed 10th in ICC ODI Team Rankings, will have to play the qualifiers to feature in the ODI World Cup 2027 which will take place in South Africa.
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