Bangladesh lost to Afghanistan by five wickets in the first ODI of the series in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a target of 222 set by the Tigers, Afghanistan reached 222 for 5 with 17 balls to spare.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh ran into early trouble. In the fourth over, opener Tanzid Hasan fell for 10 to Azmatullah Omarzai. In the next over, Najmul Hossain Shanto (2) departed, leaving the total at 25 for 2. Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hasan then tried to rebuild, but on debut Saif was out for 26 to spinner Nangeyalia Kharote.
At 53 for 3, Bangladesh were under pressure before captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hridoy rescued the innings. The pair added 101 off 142 balls, both registering half-centuries. Hridoy made 56 off 85 balls (1 four, 3 sixes) and Miraz scored 60 off 87 (1 four, 1 six).
However, once Hridoy was run out with the score on 154, the batting line-up collapsed. Bangladesh lost their last six wickets for 46 runs and were all out for 221.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai took three wickets each.
In pursuit of 222, Afghanistan made a confident start. Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz began cautiously before accelerating, putting on 52 for the first wicket.
Tanvir Islam dismissed Ibrahim for 23, and in the following over Tanzim Hasan Sakib removed Sediqullah Atal (5). Afghanistan were briefly under pressure, but the experienced pair of Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah steadied the chase.
Both batted with composure and built their innings patiently. Gurbaz made 50 off 76 balls (1 four, 1 six), while Rahmat Shah scored 50 off 70 (2 fours). Although they later fell to Miraz and Tanzim Sakib respectively, Afghanistan had already laid the platform for victory.
After slipping to 136 for 4, Afghanistan regained control through Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who completed the win with ease.
In the closing stages, Omarzai’s brisk 40 off 44 balls and Shahidi’s composed 33 not out off 46 deliveries took Afghanistan to the target with five wickets in hand and 17 balls remaining.
For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib took three wickets, while Tanvir Islam and Miraz claimed one each.
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