Afghanistan completed a dominant 3-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in their three-match One Day International (ODI) series, capping the campaign with a commanding 200-run victory in the third and final match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive win highlighted Afghanistan’s growing strength in international cricket and their ability to perform consistently in all departments.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 293 for 9 in 50 overs. Ibrahim Zadran led the charge with a composed 95 runs, narrowly missing out on a century. His innings was built on patience and timing, providing a solid foundation for the team. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi provided the late-innings acceleration with a quickfire 62 runs off 37 balls, ensuring that Afghanistan posted a challenging total. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also contributed with a steady 42 runs, giving the team momentum from the start.
In response, Bangladesh struggled to handle Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Bilal Sami was the standout bowler, claiming a career-best 5 wickets for 33 runs, while Rashid Khan played a pivotal role, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs. The combined efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers restricted Bangladesh to just 93 runs in 27.1 overs, sealing a convincing victory and completing the series whitewash.
The series was notable not only for the results but also for individual performances. Ibrahim Zadran emerged as the Player of the Series, accumulating 213 runs across the three matches, demonstrating consistency and maturity at the crease. Bilal Sami was named Player of the Match in the final game for his exceptional bowling display that turned the contest decisively in Afghanistan’s favor. Rashid Khan and Sami together accounted for 11 wickets in the series, underscoring the dominance of Afghanistan’s spin attack over the Bangladeshi lineup.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Afghanistan, as it is their first-ever ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh. The result reflects the team’s growth in international cricket, combining experienced campaigners with talented young players capable of making an impact on big stages. The series also demonstrated Afghanistan’s ability to perform under pressure, maintain discipline in bowling, and build partnerships in batting — all critical components for success in the 50-over format.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures. Their performance against Bangladesh has shown that they are no longer merely competitive underdogs; they are a team capable of commanding victories against established cricketing nations. For Bangladesh, the series will be a period of reflection, with lessons to be learned about handling pressure, constructing innings against quality spin, and responding to aggressive bowling attacks.
Afghanistan’s 3-0 series sweep is a testament to the team’s rising standards and serves as a reminder that their cricketing journey continues to accelerate. With key players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Bilal Sami leading from the front, Afghanistan is poised to challenge top-tier teams in the international arena and make a lasting mark in world cricket.
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