In a thrilling first match of the three-game series, Afghanistan’s 18-year-old sensation, Allah Ghazanfar, took six wickets, ripping through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order to clinch a decisive 92-run win. Despite a promising start, Bangladesh went from 120/2 to 143 all-out in less than nine overs, courtesy of Ghazanfar’s skillful off-spin and some clever field placements by Mohammad Nabi. Here’s how the drama unfolded.
Afghanistan’s Battling First Innings – A Slow but Steady Climb to 235
Afghanistan’s innings started on shaky ground, losing early wickets to Bangladesh’s pace duo, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, who were in top form. Taskin and Mustafizur cut through Afghanistan’s top order, leaving the visitors struggling at 71/5 by the 20th over. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (52 off 92) and the ever-reliable Mohammad Nabi (84 off 79) stepped up, stitching together a crucial 104-run partnership.
Nabi’s innings added much-needed momentum, pushing Afghanistan past 200. His powerful knock, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, combined with a vital 27 from Nangeyalia Kharote, nudged the score to a defendable 234, a total that proved more than sufficient on a tricky pitch.
Bangladesh’s Chase Begins Strongly… Until It Doesn’t
Bangladesh’s chase initially showed promise. Although Allah Ghazanfar claimed an early wicket by dismissing opener Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings, advancing Bangladesh to 120/2. They built up a good rhythm, and for a while, it looked as if Bangladesh was on track for a comfortable victory.
Then came the pivotal 26th over. Mohammad Nabi’s field adjustments disrupted Bangladesh’s momentum, setting a trap for Shanto, who fell prey to a smartly placed fielder after a mistimed sweep. With Shanto gone, Ghazanfar returned to unleash an off-spin masterclass.
The Ghazanfar Show – A Six-Wicket Sensation
Ghazanfar’s spell in the 31st over turned the game upside down. He removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz first, opening the door for a jaw-dropping collapse. Bangladesh’s batters seemed unprepared for Ghazanfar’s carrom balls, leading to three wickets in one over, including a stumping of Mushfiqur Rahim, who was left baffled by Ghazanfar’s spin. Rishad Hossain was trapped LBW, and Taskin Ahmed’s stumps were dismantled, giving Ghazanfar his fifth wicket in the same over.
By the time Ghazanfar bowled Shoriful Islam, clinching his sixth wicket, Bangladesh’s innings was in tatters. With 143 all-out, they had lost eight wickets for just 23 runs in a spectacular collapse, gifting Afghanistan a commanding victory.
Key Players of the Match
- Allah Ghazanfar (8/10): A stellar six-wicket haul that decimated Bangladesh’s lineup. His mix of carrom balls and traditional spin proved too much for the hosts.
- Mohammad Nabi (7/10): Led from the front with a crucial 84 and timely field changes, setting the tone for Afghanistan’s victory.
- Taskin Ahmed (7/10): Despite Bangladesh’s batting woes, Taskin impressed with a four-wicket spell that limited Afghanistan’s score early on.
Post-Match Reactions: Disappointment for Bangladesh
After the match, Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his disappointment with the team’s batting collapse. “We were in a good position, but we let it slip. Ghazanfar bowled brilliantly, but we should have handled the pressure better,” he said.
Mohammad Nabi, on the other hand, praised his young spinner’s performance, calling it “the game-changer.” Ghazanfar’s exceptional control over his variations left the Bangladesh batters struggling, a display that will undoubtedly give Afghanistan confidence as they look to seal the series.
FAQs
Allah Ghazanfar stole the show with a six-wicket haul that helped Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 143, securing a 92-run win.
Mohammad Nabi’s field adjustment in the 26th over that led to Najmul Shanto’s dismissal was crucial. This dismissal paved the way for Ghazanfar’s match-winning spell.
Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman were exceptional, each claiming four wickets and restricting Afghanistan’s top order effectively. However, the batting collapse overshadowed their efforts.
Afghanistan leads 1-0 in the three-match series. The second game will be crucial for Bangladesh if they hope to bounce back.
Conclusion: Afghanistan’s Young Talent Shines as Bangladesh Crumbles
This Afghanistan vs Bangladesh clash was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for Bangladesh fans who watched their team’s promising chase implode. Allah Ghazanfar’s six-wicket spell left fans in awe, cementing his place as Afghanistan’s rising star. Mohammad Nabi’s experience and leadership also played a pivotal role, showing that Afghanistan has the potential to deliver big performances in pressure moments.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their bowlers did their part, but the batting lineup has some serious introspection to do. With two matches left, they’ll need to overcome this setback if they hope to salvage the series. For now, it’s advantage Afghanistan, thanks to the young spinner who turned this match on its head.
