Afghanistan triumphed over Bangladesh in the third ODI, winning by five wickets and securing the series 2-1. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 101 and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing both with bat and ball, Afghanistan successfully chased 245 runs in Sharjah. The victory signifies Afghanistan’s third consecutive series win this year, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill.
On Monday, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s impressive hundred and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round performance propelled Afghanistan to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third One Day International (ODI), securing a series win. Gurbaz scored a well-crafted century of 101 runs off 120 balls, including seven sixes and five fours, while Omarzai contributed significantly with the bat, finishing with an unbeaten 70 from 77 balls, alongside claiming four crucial wickets. The match, held in Sharjah, saw Afghanistan successfully chase down Bangladesh’s total of 244 runs, completing the innings in 48.2 overs. Mohammad Mahmudullah almost single-handedly boosted the Bangladeshi score with a valiant 98 runs off 98 balls, complemented by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who added 66 runs to the scoreboard. After an early batting collapse, where Afghanistan found themselves at 84 for 3, Gurbaz and Omarzai’s fourth wicket partnership of 100 runs proved critical in steering their team toward victory. This victory marks Afghanistan’s third consecutive series win in 2023, following victories over Ireland and South Africa. The team had previously recorded impressive performances, including successes against top teams during the previous year’s World Cup hosted in India. Bangladesh’s performance in this series has drawn commendation from their captain Miraz, acknowledging the strong play exhibited by Afghanistan throughout. The pivotal moment of the series was underscored by the partnership between Gurbaz and Omarzai despite early challenges posed by Bangladesh’s pacers, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana. Gurbaz fell to Nahid Rana after making a significant contribution to the chase, while Omarzai’s steadying presence guided the team to a successful finish. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed a sense of pride in his team’s resilience under pressure and their capability to perform well despite the odds.
The series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, particularly the third ODI, highlights the rising competitiveness of the Afghanistan cricket team on the international stage. This match is crucial as it illustrates Afghanistan’s ability to bounce back after setbacks and secure victories against reputed teams. The series win contributes to Afghanistan’s growing reputation, especially after their notable performances in past global competitions.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s triumph in the third ODI against Bangladesh not only clinches them the series but also reinforces their cricketing prowess on the international stage. The notable performances of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai indicate a solid team foundation and growing depth, allowing Afghanistan to compete effectively against strong opposition.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
