Bangladesh capitulate to humiliating defeat as Afghanistan clinch ODI series

Despite restricting Afghanistan to 190, an abysmal show with the bat causes Bangladesh blushes

Bangladesh’s hopes of a comeback were obliterated as their batting folded spectacularly while chasing a subpar total in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

After holding the visitors to 190 -- the lowest first-innings total ever at the Zayed Cricket Stadium -- the Tigers capitulated for just 109 in 28.3 overs, handing Afghanistan an emphatic 81-run victory on Saturday.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz had predicted a chase around 240–250 after winning the toss, but Afghanistan’s subdued 190 seemed eminently reachable. Instead, Bangladesh’s batting unravelled under pressure, producing a cascade of poor shots, frail technique, and baffling running between the wickets.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a gritty 95 off 140 balls -- nearly half his side’s total -- with just three fours and a solitary six.

Beyond Zadran, the Afghan batting line-up was fragile: no other player crossed 25, and no partnership exceeded 40.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 11, Tanvir Islam claimed a cheap 8, and Rahmat Shah retired injured.

Miraz removed captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, while Rishad Hossain kept the pressure on. Mohammad Nabi’s 22, part of a 39-run stand with Zadran, was the only meaningful support.

Bangladesh’s chase imploded from the first over.

Azmatullah Omarzai struck early, trapping Tanzid Hasan for a duck. Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out attempting a reckless two for 7.

Saif Hassan offered a brief fight, scoring 22 before falling. Both Towhid Hridoy and Miraz failed under pressure, departing for 24 and 4.

Nurul Hasan Sohan played a reckless slog, falling for 18, while Rashid Khan’s hat trick -- dismissing Tanzim Hasan and Rishad Hossain on consecutive deliveries and then Rishad again -- sealed Bangladesh’s fate. Jaker Ali’s soft dismissal then snuffed out any improbable flicker of hope.

Rashid finished with five wickets, matched by Azmatullah Omarzai’s three, ensuring Bangladesh’s lowest ODI chase against Afghanistan.

The defeat extends Bangladesh’s woes: 10 losses in their last 12 ODIs, fourth consecutive series loss, and third straight ODI series defeat to Afghanistan.

The Tigers’ once-resilient batting now looks brittle, with the crushing defeat leaving only questions about their capability in the format in its wake.

Summary:

Afghanistan: 190 all out in 44.5 overs (Gurbaz 11, Ibrahim 95, Atal 8, Rahmat 9 retired injured, Shahidi 4, Omarzai 0, Nabi 22, Kharote 13, Rashid 1, Ghazanfar 22, Bashir 0*; Tanzim 7-0-35-2, Mustafiz 8-0-38-0, Miraz 10-1-42-3, Tanvir 10-0-35-1, Rishad 9.5-0-37-2)

Bangladesh 109 all out in 28.3 overs (Tanzid 0, Saif 22, Shanto 7, Hridoy 24, Miraz 4, Jaker 18, Sohan 15, Tanzim 0, Rishad 5, Tanvir 0, Mustafiz 5*; Omarzai 7-1-27-3, Bashir 2-0-22-0, Ghazanfar 4-0-21-0, Rashid 8.3-2-17-5, Kharote 7-1-22-1)

Result: Afghanistan win by 81 runs

Series: Afghanistan lead 2-0 in the three-match series

Man of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran