• Afghanistan began their home series in style with a clinical five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first ODI.

  • Azmatullah Omarzai earned the Player of the Match for his all-round show.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round effort guides Afghanistan to emphatic win over Bangladesh in 1st ODI
Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in the first ODI (Image Source: X)

Afghanistan began their home series in style with a clinical five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE 2025 series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Chasing a target of 222, the hosts displayed composure and depth in their batting to cross the finish line with 17 balls to spare.

Bangladesh post a competitive total after early jitters

Bangladesh, after electing to bat first, struggled to find stability at the top as Tanzid Hasan (10) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (2) departed cheaply. Saif Hassan provided some resistance with a fluent 26 off 37 balls before falling to Omarzai. The middle order, however, brought some much-needed stability, courtesy of Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The duo added a valuable partnership that revived Bangladesh’s innings, with Hridoy scoring 56 from 85 balls, hitting one boundary and three sixes, while Mehidy played a patient knock of 60 from 87 deliveries. Their efforts helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total of 221 before being bowled out in the 49th over.

Afghanistan’s bowlers kept things under control throughout, with Rashid Khan (3/38) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40) leading the charge. Young spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar also chipped in with two wickets, while Nangeyalia Kharote provided steady support with 1/32 from his 10 overs.

Also WATCH: Rashid Khan traps Mehidy Hasan Miraz with stunning googly to claim 200th ODI wicket – AFG vs BAN

Afghanistan’s steady chase anchored by top-order partnerships

In reply, Afghanistan began confidently with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adding 42 runs for the first wicket. Gurbaz showed great patience in his 50 off 76 balls, while Rahmat Shah matched him with a composed 50 off 70 deliveries. Their efforts laid a strong foundation for the chase despite a few quick wickets in the middle overs.

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed a valuable 33 off 46 balls, ensuring Afghanistan didn’t lose momentum. However, it was Omarzai who turned the chase into a comfortable one, smashing a fluent 40 off just 44 balls, including six boundaries and a six. His calmness under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award. Mohammad Nabi provided the finishing touches with a brisk 11 off eight deliveries.

For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 31, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam took one wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from cruising to victory in 47.1 overs. With this victory, Afghanistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will look to carry their momentum into the second game.

Also WATCH: AFG vs BAN – Rashid Khan plucks a splendid running catch to dismiss Saif Hassan in 1st ODI

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