In the first ODI of the series, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 92 runs, driven by a remarkable six-wicket haul from 18-year-old spinner AM Ghazanfar, who claimed figures of 6-26. Mohammad Nabi’s 84 and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 52 set the stage for Afghanistan’s total of 235. Bangladesh’s chase collapsed from a promising 132-3 to all out at 143, marking a notable win for Afghanistan.
In an impressive display of spin bowling, 18-year-old AM Ghazanfar led Afghanistan to a resounding victory over Bangladesh, claiming six wickets for just 26 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) held in Sharjah. His performance proved crucial as Bangladesh faltered from a strong position of 132-3 to being bowled out for just 143, resulting in a 92-run defeat. Afghanistan, having opted to bat first, set a target of 236 runs; notable contributions came from Mohammad Nabi, who scored 84 runs, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who added 52 runs. Under pressure, Afghanistan found refuge in a defining sixth-wicket partnership of 104 runs between Nabi and Shahidi after an early collapse at 35-4. Ghazanfar’s outstanding bowling performance not only secured the win but also marked the best figures recorded in ODIs between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s previous record of 5-29. Following his early dismissals, Najmul Hossain acknowledged the turning point in the match, expressing regret over his wicket’s impact on the game’s momentum. Both Hossain and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed to the initial success in the chase, yet their efforts were ultimately thwarted by Ghazanfar’s relentless spin. The true prowess of Ghazanfar was evident when, after dismissing known batsmen Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain, he claimed three additional wickets in a single over. Bangladesh’s efforts with the ball from Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, each taking four wickets, were not sufficient to overcome Afghanistan’s determined resilience. The remaining ODIs between these two teams are scheduled for November 9 and 11, continuing in Sharjah.
The match aired as part of the ODI format, which allows teams to showcase their skills in a limited overs format, emphasizing both batting and bowling. This particular match marked a significant moment for Afghanistan, showcasing their developing cricketing prowess, particularly with young talents like AM Ghazanfar stepping into critical roles. The historical context of Afghanistan’s growth in international cricket juxtaposed with Bangladesh’s established presence adds depth to this encounter, highlighting the competitiveness of the ODI stage. Ghazanfar’s emergence in this match also points to the future of spin bowling within Afghanistan’s cricket framework, known for adapting to various playing conditions while drawing on its rich history of spinning talents.
In conclusion, AM Ghazanfar’s outstanding performance not only clinched a significant victory for Afghanistan over Bangladesh but also marked a pivotal moment in his budding career. His six-wicket haul dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup, illustrating Afghanistan’s growing capabilities in international cricket. The match showcased not only individual brilliance but also the importance of strategic partnerships and performances under pressure. As the series progresses, both teams will seek to build on their strengths and address weaknesses, making this a compelling contest.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
