Afghanistan sealed a commanding 81-run victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI on Saturday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series held in Abu Dhabi.
Facing a modest target of 191, Bangladesh’s batting lineup suffered a catastrophic collapse, succumbing for a meager 109 runs in just 28.3 overs. This total marks their lowest-ever score against Afghanistan in ODIs and underscores a deepening crisis for the Tigers, who have now lost their last four bilateral ODI series.
The innings was a display of sheer dominance by Afghanistan’s bowlers. Spin maestro Rashid Khan was the chief destroyer, orchestrating a middle-order collapse with a devastating spell of 5-17. His performance was ably supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who provided the early breakthroughs with three key wickets.
Bangladesh’s chase never found momentum. After Omarzai removed the openers and a run-out accounted for Najmul Hossain Shanto, the innings spiraled. A brief resistance from Towhid Hridoy (24) and Jaker Ali was extinguished by Rashid, who then ripped through the lower order in a stunning display. The tailenders had no answer, with the last five wickets falling for just 10 runs.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by a patient 95 from opener Ibrahim Zadran. While wickets fell regularly at the other end, Zadran held the innings together, forming several small but crucial partnerships to guide his team to a competitive total of 190. For Bangladesh, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.
The comprehensive defeat, built on the foundation of a dramatic batting failure, hands Afghanistan a well-deserved series win and continues Bangladesh’s disappointing run in the 50-over format.