Afghanistan secured a convincing 92-run win over Bangladesh in the first One-Day International on Wednesday, thanks to a brilliant performance by 18-year-old spinner Allah Ghazanfar. Ghazanfar finished with a career-best 6 for 26, single-handedly tearing through Bangladesh's middle and lower order.
At one point, Bangladesh appeared to be in control of the chase, sitting at 132/3 and looking to challenge Afghanistan's total of 235. However, Ghazanfar’s stunning spell turned the match in Afghanistan's favour as Bangladesh collapsed to 143 all out.
Ghazanfar's 6 for 26 now stands as the best ODI bowling figures in matches between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's 5 for 29 in 2019.
Afghanistan faced early struggles after opting to bat first, finding themselves in a precarious position at 35/4. However, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (52) and the seasoned Mohammad Nabi (84) steadied the ship with a vital 104-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 235 in 49.4 overs. Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, was the standout, with both bowlers claiming four wickets each.
In response, Bangladesh got off to a solid start, with opener Soumya Sarkar contributing 33. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 47, while Mehidy Hasan chipped in with 28. But the pivotal moment came when Nabi dismissed Shanto at 132, sparking a dramatic collapse.
Ghazanfar then took over, making his mark with the key wicket of Mehidy in his fifth over. He followed up with quick scalps of Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed, effectively shattering Bangladesh's hopes of a successful chase.
Afghanistan captain Shahidi lavished praise on Ghazanfar, saying. "He is a passionate youngster who always wants to do well."
Najmul, on the other hand, felt his dismissal was the turning point in the match.
"I think my wicket turned the match," said Najmul. "I was the set batsman so when I got out we needed to bat longer but credit to Afghanistan spinners for the way they bowled."
Afghanistan and Bangladesh are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series where Hashmatullah Shahidi & Co. take 1-0 lead. The second and third ODI will be played in Sharjah on November 9 and 11.
