Now Reading: Afghanistan Crush Bangladesh by Seven Wickets to Knock Them Out of UAE Tri-Series
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Afghanistan Crush Bangladesh by Seven Wickets to Knock Them Out of UAE Tri-Series
Afghanistan Crush Bangladesh by Seven Wickets to Knock Them Out of UAE Tri-Series
Afghanistan delivered a statement performance in the UAE, sealing a comfortable seven-wicket win over Bangladesh and knocking them out of the 2026 ODI tri-series. Destructive new-ball spells set the tone, Rashid Khan cleaned up the tail, and captain Rahmat Shah anchored the chase with an unbeaten half-century.
Afghanistan’s Opening Attack Wrecks Bangladesh
Bangladesh chose to bat, but the decision backfired almost instantly. Yamin Ahmadzai struck in his very first over, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar on consecutive deliveries.
Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the assault, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy. Bangladesh were reeling at 28 for 4 inside seven overs, and the innings looked destined for a collapse.
It was the kind of opening burst that defines a match. Afghanistan’s quicks gave Bangladesh no room to settle, and the pressure never really lifted.
Emon and Saif Stage a Fightback
Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan refused to fold. Together they added 93 runs for the fifth wicket, steadying the innings and dragging Bangladesh back into the contest.
That recovery took them to 121 for 4, but Mohammad Nabi broke the partnership by dismissing Saif Hassan for 41. It was the turning point of the innings.
Rashid Khan Closes the Door
Once the stand was broken, Rashid Khan took over. The tail offered little resistance, and Bangladesh slid from 121 for 4 to 160 all out in just 10 overs.
Rashid finished with 4 for 31 from 8.2 overs, including the key wicket of Emon, who fell LBW for a hard-fought 70 off 96 balls. Bangladesh were bowled out in 41.2 overs, leaving a modest target on a day when their top order had already done the damage.
Rahmat Shah Anchors the Chase
Afghanistan’s reply had a few wobbles. Taskin Ahmed removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) and Sediqullah Atal (4) early, leaving the chase at 39 for 2 in the seventh over.
Rahmat Shah dropped anchor at that point and rebuilt the innings with calm, patient batting. His approach was simple: absorb the pressure, rotate the strike, and let the target do the rest.
Partnerships That Sealed the Win
Ibrahim Zadran supported his captain with a solid 34 off 48 balls, sharing a 56-run stand before Mustafizur Rahman removed him. That partnership kept Afghanistan firmly in control.
Rahmat then combined with Hashmatullah Shahidi for an unbroken 66-run stand. Rahmat finished on 67 not out off 90 balls, while Shahidi remained unbeaten on 36. Afghanistan reached 161 for 3 in 35.3 overs, winning with seven wickets in hand.
Match Summary and Key Performers
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 160 all out | 41.2 |
| Afghanistan | 161/3 | 35.3 |
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Rahmat Shah | Afghanistan | 67* off 90 balls |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 4-31 |
| Yamin Ahmadzai | Afghanistan | 2-21 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghanistan | 2-27 |
| Parvez Hossain Emon | Bangladesh | 70 off 96 balls |
| Saif Hassan | Bangladesh | 41 |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bangladesh | 2-36 |
What Comes Next
The result eliminates Bangladesh from the tri-series and sets up a finale for Afghanistan against Zimbabwe. For Afghanistan, the win showed depth across departments: a ruthless new-ball attack, a match-winning spinner, and a captain who delivered under pressure.
For Bangladesh, the collapse from 121 for 4 to 160 all out will be the lasting image. Emon and Saif showed what was possible, but the early damage proved too much to overcome.
