Afghanistan’s Masterclass: A 200-Run Demolition Completes a Stunning ODI Whitewash Over Bangladesh

In a display of cricketing prowess that left spectators and pundits alike in awe, Afghanistan delivered a resounding 200-run victory over Bangladesh, completing a dominant 3-0 clean sweep in their One-Day International series. This triumph wasn`t just another win; it was a potent statement, a meticulous execution of strategy, and a sweet revenge for their earlier T20I series defeat at the hands of the very same opponents. For Afghanistan, this marks their fifth consecutive ODI series victory, solidifying their growing stature in international cricket.

The Foundation: Ibrahim Zadran`s Near Miss and Gurbaz`s Aggression

The stage for this historic demolition was set on a dry pitch, perfectly suited for the Afghan spinners but first exploited by their aggressive openers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran launched Afghanistan`s innings with intent, forging a rapid 99-run partnership in just over 15 overs. The initial PowerPlay saw Afghanistan race to 66 runs, mercilessly targeting the pace of Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud. Their audacious stroke play was a clear indicator of their intent to post a formidable total.

However, the introduction of Bangladesh`s spin troika brought a temporary lull to the scoring spree. The pressure eventually led to the dismissal of Gurbaz. But Ibrahim Zadran, unfazed, continued his elegant assault, reaching his half-century and then accelerating, smashing boundaries against Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The innings progressed smoothly, reaching 150 in 25 overs, with Sediqullah Atal adding quick runs. Yet, cricket, as it often reminds us, is a game of twists. Saif Hassan, with a brilliant spell, removed Atal and then captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. The biggest blow came when Ibrahim, just five runs shy of a well-deserved century, was tragically run out by a direct hit from Rana – a cruel repeat of his previous dismissal at 95.

Nabi`s Late Blitz: A Turnaround of Epic Proportions

Following Ibrahim`s dismissal, Afghanistan`s innings appeared to lose momentum. A flurry of wickets saw Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, and even the explosive Rashid Khan fall cheaply. With 47 overs bowled, Mohammad Nabi found himself at a modest 17 runs off 23 balls, batting with the tailenders. What followed was a masterclass in power-hitting that single-handedly transformed Afghanistan`s total from respectable to monstrous.

In the 48th over, Nabi found his first six. Then, with Nahid Rana injured, Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepped in to complete the 49th over – a decision Bangladesh would soon regret. Nabi unleashed a flurry of three sixes and conceded five wides, plundering an astonishing 25 runs from that single over. He then denied Hasan Mahmud a hat-trick, before unleashing three fours and another six in the final over, registering his 18th ODI half-century. Nabi scored an incredible 45 runs off the last 14 balls he faced, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable 293 for 9. This late surge was nothing short of miraculous, a one-man show that demonstrated profound experience and sheer brute force.

Bangladesh`s Collapse: A Tale of Wickets and Woes

Chasing 294, Bangladesh`s response started cautiously, with Saif Hassan managing to find some boundaries in the PowerPlay. However, any hopes of a steady chase evaporated quickly. Mohammad Naim fell to Omarzai in the ninth over, and then, the floodgates opened. Bilal Sami, playing his maiden ODI, struck in his very first over, followed swiftly by Rashid Khan taking a wicket off his first ball. The Afghan captain then picked up his second, dismissing the struggling Saif Hassan, who was the lone warrior for Bangladesh with a solitary six off AM Ghazanfar.

What ensued was a catastrophic collapse. Between the 19th and 22nd overs, Afghanistan snatched five wickets, reducing Bangladesh from a precarious 70/3 to a dismal 81/8. It was a rapid descent into cricketing despair, a performance that left little doubt about Afghanistan`s superiority on the day. Bilal Sami, making a dream debut, wrapped up the Bangladeshi batting order with his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, ensuring the massive 200-run victory.

A Series to Remember for Afghanistan

With only Saif Hassan managing to reach double-digits (43 runs), Bangladesh`s batting lineup simply crumbled under the pressure. This resounding victory not only secured a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash for Afghanistan but also served as a powerful statement of intent. Having previously lost the T20I series, Afghanistan meticulously dismantled Bangladesh in the 50-over format, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling. This series win, particularly this final dominant performance, underscores Afghanistan`s rise as a formidable force in world cricket, capable of delivering memorable performances and exacting sweet revenge when the moment demands it.