Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh were dismissed for just 160 runs in 41.2 overs after electing to bat first. Afghanistan comfortably chased down the 161-run target, reaching 161 for three in 35.3 overs, thanks largely to Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten 67.
Bangladesh entered the crucial encounter with a difficult qualification equation. Following their 99-run defeat against Zimbabwe in the opening match, they needed to overcome Afghanistan by at least 41 runs to progress to the final.
With only 160 runs on the board, Bangladesh’s bowlers had to dismiss Afghanistan for no more than 119. However, the required breakthrough never materialised. Once Afghanistan surpassed that total, Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the final disappeared, although the match remained to be completed.
Bangladesh’s problems began almost immediately after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Afghanistan’s pace attack made early inroads, exposing the vulnerabilities of the opposition’s top order.
Yamin Ahmadzai struck twice in consecutive deliveries during the second over, dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for one and Soumya Sarkar without scoring.
The situation worsened when Azmatullah Omarzai removed Najmul Hossain Shanto and captain Towhid Hridoy in quick succession. Shanto contributed 15 runs, while Hridoy departed for a duck, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 28 for four inside seven overs.
With the innings threatening to collapse completely, Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan attempted to rebuild. Their fifth-wicket partnership of 93 runs offered Bangladesh a much-needed period of stability.
Emon produced the team’s most substantial contribution, scoring 70 from 96 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes. His measured innings provided valuable resistance against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling.
Saif supported him with a patient 41 from 82 balls, helping Bangladesh recover from their disastrous start. The partnership briefly raised hopes that the team might establish a competitive total.
However, the recovery did not last.
Saif’s dismissal opened the door for Afghanistan to regain control, and Bangladesh’s middle and lower order failed to build on the partnership. Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed only two runs, while the remaining batters struggled to withstand the pressure.
Afghanistan’s experienced leg-spinner Rashid Khan proved particularly effective during the latter stages of the innings. He finished with four wickets for 31 runs, including the important dismissal of Emon.
Ahmadzai and Omarzai also claimed two wickets each, ensuring Bangladesh were unable to complete their allotted 50 overs. The last five wickets added just 39 runs, leaving the side with a total that offered little margin for error.
Afghanistan’s chase initially encountered some resistance.
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed provided an encouraging start by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal. Afghanistan were reduced to 39 for two in the seventh over, briefly raising Bangladesh’s hopes of defending their modest total.
Rahmat Shah, however, responded with composure and determination.
He joined Ibrahim Zadran in a crucial third-wicket partnership worth 56 runs, gradually shifting the momentum back towards Afghanistan.
Zadran made 34 before being dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman, but Rahmat continued to control the innings. He subsequently combined with Hashmatullah Shahidi to guide Afghanistan towards victory.
Rather than taking unnecessary risks, the pair concentrated on rotating the strike, punishing loose deliveries and steadily reducing the required runs.
Rahmat remained unbeaten on 67 from 90 balls, while Shahidi contributed an unbeaten 36. Their unbroken 66-run partnership ensured Afghanistan crossed the finishing line with seven wickets and 87 deliveries remaining.
Taskin was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Mustafizur picked up one. Despite their early breakthroughs, the bowlers could not sustain enough pressure to prevent Afghanistan from completing a comfortable victory.
The result marked Afghanistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament. They had previously defeated Zimbabwe by 158 runs, demonstrating their strength across both batting and bowling departments.
Bangladesh, by contrast, finished the competition without a win. Their defeats against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan highlighted recurring concerns over batting consistency, particularly the failure of the top order to establish a solid foundation.
Although Emon and Saif showed resilience during their substantial partnership, Bangladesh’s inability to convert that recovery into a competitive innings ultimately proved costly.
The team’s struggles also demonstrated how quickly early wickets can influence an ODI contest. Losing four wickets inside the opening powerplay placed considerable pressure on the remaining batters, forcing them to prioritise rebuilding rather than accelerating the scoring rate.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, benefited from a balanced performance. Their bowlers restricted Bangladesh to a manageable total before the middle order completed the chase without significant difficulty.
The two victories have given Afghanistan confidence heading into the championship match, where they will face Zimbabwe on Friday, 23 October, at Sharjah.
For Bangladesh, the tournament ended in frustration. Their performances exposed shortcomings in batting discipline, partnership-building and handling pressure during crucial stages of matches.
With further international commitments ahead, addressing those weaknesses will be essential if Bangladesh are to regain consistency and produce stronger performances against competitive opposition.
