AM Ghazanfar’s exceptional six-wicket haul propelled Afghanistan to a 92-run victory over Bangladesh in their first ODI, with notable contributions from Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Bangladesh struggled in their chase, succumbing to Afghanistan’s potent bowling attack after promising starts in their innings.
In the first One Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Bangladesh held in Sharjah, teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a career-best six-wicket haul to secure a significant victory for Afghanistan by 92 runs. The 18-year-old bowler recorded impressive figures of 6-26 in just 6.3 overs, leading to a dramatic collapse for Bangladesh as they fell from 132-3 to be dismissed for a mere 143 runs, having chased a target of 236. Afghanistan’s batting saw Mohammad Nabi score 84 runs off 79 balls, contributing to a total of 235 runs, after their captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had stabilized the innings with a cautious 52 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan encountered early difficulties, slipping to 35-4, but a pivotal partnership of 104 runs for the sixth wicket between Nabi and Shahidi provided much-needed momentum. In response, Bangladesh had promising starts but crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan’s bowling attack, particularly Ghazanfar, who dismantled their middle and lower order. Notably, Ghazanfar’s exceptional bowling performance surpassed the previous best figures of Shakib Al Hasan in ODIs between the two nations. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised Ghazanfar’s enthusiasm and determination, indicating confidence in their bowling strategy. Conversely, Bangladesh’s skipper Najmul Hossain acknowledged the turning point in the match was his dismissal, which ultimately led to their batting collapse, crediting the Afghan spinners for their skillful bowling. This match sets the stage for two more ODIs on November 9 and 11, also taking place in Sharjah.
The match signifies an important moment in the cricketing calendar for both Afghanistan and Bangladesh as they compete in a series of ODIs. This encounter not only highlights the emerging talents in Afghanistan’s cricket, specifically AM Ghazanfar, but also underscores the challenges faced by the Bangladesh team in terms of maintaining composure during a chase. The statistics from this match reflect both teams’ struggles and adaptations in the rapidly evolving landscape of international cricket.
In summary, AM Ghazanfar’s remarkable performance was instrumental in Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI, showcasing the potential of young cricketers in international matches. Despite a promising start, Bangladesh’s inability to sustain their innings led to their downfall. This match points to the ongoing developments in cricket dynamics between established teams and emerging nations, offering abundant prospects for future fixtures.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
