Afghanistan crush Bangladesh by 81 runs at Abu Dhabi, lead series 2‑0
When Afghanistan national cricket team rolled out a commanding 81‑run victory over Bangladesh national cricket team at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on 11 October 2025, the cricket world took notice.
The match, part of the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 2nd ODIAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, began at 5:30 PM IST (12:00 UTC). Afghanistan won the toss, elected to bat, and posted a modest yet decisive 190 for 10 in 44.5 overs.
How the game unfolded
Opening the innings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz – the team's wicket‑keeper‑batsman – set the tone with a quick 45, while Rahmat Shah added a steady 38. The partnership was enough to get Afghanistan past the 150‑run mark before Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai shared three wickets each, keeping the total respectable.
Bangladesh’s reply never got going. Their top order fell cheaply – Tanzid Hasan was out for a golden duck after just 0.5 overs. Saif Hassan managed a fighting 40, but the rest of the line‑up crumbled under disciplined Afghan seam and spin. By 28.3 overs Bangladesh were bowled out for 109.
Key performances
- Ibrahim Zadran earned Player of the Match honors, contributing 55 runs and taking a crucial catch.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, praised his bowlers for sticking to the plan.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz was Bangladesh’s lone bright spot, top‑scoring with a gritty 50 before falling to a sharp in‑field catch.
- Afghan pacer Rashid Khan took 3 wickets for 28 runs, again showing why he’s a world‑class bowler.
Reactions from the dugout
"We stuck to our game plan from day one," Hashmatullah Shahidi said in the post‑match interview. "Winning the toss gave us the advantage, but it was the discipline in the field that made the difference."
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was visibly frustrated. "We need to resolve our batting issues quickly. The bowlers did a great job, but without runs we can't compete," he observed.
Why this matters
The win thrust Afghanistan into a 2‑0 lead in a three‑match series, putting them one win away from a clean sweep. For a nation that only gained Test status in 2017, such a dominant performance on neutral ground signals a rising confidence that could reshape Asian cricket dynamics.
Bangladesh, once a regular ODI contender, now faces intense scrutiny over its top‑order technique. Their highest total of 221 in the first ODI proved insufficient, and selectors may be forced to reconsider opening pairings ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Historical backdrop
Afghanistan’s ascent has been meteoric. From playing in refugee camps in Pakistan to qualifying for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the team’s journey is a testament to resilience. The Afghanistan side’s ability to defend sub‑200 totals reflects a strategic evolution – focusing on lethal swing bowling and aggressive batting at the top.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been a mainstay in ODI cricket since 1999, boasting a world‑cup semi‑final appearance in 2015. However, their recent batting woes echo a pattern seen in 2022 when they lost a home series to Sri Lanka after a similar collapse for under 120 runs.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, the final ODI is scheduled for 14 October 2025 at the same venue. If Afghanistan repeats its performance, a 3‑0 sweep could solidify its claim for a higher ICC ranking and bolster its case for more fixtures against top‑tier nations.
Bangladesh will need to regroup swiftly. The coaching staff is expected to field a revised opening pair, possibly promoting Najmul Hossain Shanto up the order to inject stability.
Key facts
- Date: 11 October 2025
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Result: Afghanistan 190/10 (44.5 overs) vs Bangladesh 109 (28.3 overs)
- Series lead: Afghanistan 2‑0
- Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Afghanistan’s 2‑0 lead affect their ICC ranking?
A 2‑0 lead against a full member like Bangladesh can earn Afghanistan valuable rating points. If they complete a 3‑0 sweep, they could jump several places, moving closer to the top‑ten tier and attracting more high‑profile series.
What were the main reasons for Bangladesh’s batting collapse?
Sharp early wickets, especially the golden duck of Tanzid Hasan, disrupted any momentum. Afghan bowlers, led by Rashid Khan’s swing and Omarzai’s accurate pace, kept the run‑rate low while forcing errors.
Who are the standout players for Afghanistan in this series?
Ibrahim Zadran, with a half‑century and a crucial catch, and Rashid Khan, who took three wickets in each match, have been pivotal. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s calm leadership also stands out.
When and where is the final ODI of the series?
The concluding match is slated for 14 October 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, maintaining the neutral venue format used for the series.
What changes might Bangladesh make for the next game?
Analysts expect a reshuffle of the top order, possibly promoting Najmul Hossain Shanto and giving more responsibility to younger batsmen. The team may also adjust its approach to spin, which proved costly in the second ODI.
- Oct 12, 2025
- SIYABONGA SOKHELA
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Akshay Gore
October 12, 2025 AT 04:23Who cares about Afghanistan winnin, it’s just another match overhyped by stats geeks.
Sanjay Kumar
October 12, 2025 AT 04:33Let’s celebrate any team’s growth 🙏 cricket thrives on healthy competition.
Rohit Garg
October 12, 2025 AT 04:43Rashid Khan’s 3‑for‑28 spell showcases his lethal swing; he’s averaged sub‑25 with the ball in ODIs, and his variations keep batsmen guessing.
His economy of 5.9 this series is impressive given the flat Abu Dhabi pitch.
Afghanistan’s top order, especially Gurbaz’s quick start, set the platform for those wickets.
Hitesh Kardam
October 12, 2025 AT 04:53Sure, Rashid’s magic is real, but everyone ignores the hidden agenda – the ICC pushing Afghanistan to boost ratings for political gain.
They plant “star” bowlers to sell the sport in the region, while sidelining genuine talent from other nations.
Don’t be fooled by glossy stats; the game’s being weaponized.
That’s why we need to support homegrown heroes, not foreign conspiracies.
Stay alert, folks.
Nandita Mazumdar
October 12, 2025 AT 05:03Bangladesh’s batting collapse proves they must overhaul their system now!
adarsh pandey
October 12, 2025 AT 05:13While the result is stark, it’s important to recognize Bangladesh’s recent improvements, such as their younger pace attack showing promise.
Their domestic structures have produced talent like Mehidy Hasan, yet consistency remains elusive.
Addressing technical flaws in the top order, possibly through specialist coaching, could bridge the gap.
Moreover, building mental resilience under pressure is crucial for future series.
Bangladesh still has the potential to compete at the highest level with the right adjustments.
swapnil chamoli
October 12, 2025 AT 05:23The narrative of hidden agendas often overshadows nuanced analysis; indeed, Afghanistan’s rise is rooted in strategic investment and grassroots development, not merely political machinations.
While external influences exist, dismissing the team’s hard‑earned skills does a disservice to their athletes.
Balanced discourse should acknowledge both geopolitical factors and genuine sporting merit.
manish prajapati
October 12, 2025 AT 05:33Great to see Afghanistan’s confidence soaring – a win like this can inspire the next generation of cricketers in Kandahar and beyond.
It also adds excitement for fans waiting for the final ODI; perhaps we’ll witness a historic 3‑0 sweep.
Let’s keep the spirit alive and cheer for continued growth across all emerging cricket nations.
Rohit Kumar
October 12, 2025 AT 05:43Afghanistan’s cricket journey is more than a series of match results; it is a testament to resilience embedded in the very fabric of its diaspora.
Their ascent from refugee camps to competing on neutral soil illustrates how sport can transcend borders and ignite national pride.
Each wicket taken by Rashid Khan symbolizes not just skill but the relentless pursuit of excellence against odds.
When Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings with a half‑century, he demonstrated that composure can flourish even in fledgling cricketing nations.
The 81‑run margin, while impressive, also highlights the strategic evolution of Afghan tactics – disciplined field placements paired with aggressive seam and spin.
Historically, cricket has been dominated by legacy powers, yet Afghanistan is reshaping that hierarchy through focused youth programs and international exposure.
Investing in grassroots academies in Jalalabad and Kabul has yielded a pipeline of talent eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
Moreover, the team’s mental fortitude, cultivated under the guidance of seasoned coaches, enables them to thrive under pressure, as evidenced by their consistent chase defenses.
Bangladesh’s recent struggles, while unfortunate, serve as a reminder that cricketing success is never guaranteed and must be continuously earned.
Analyzing the technical deficiencies in their top order reveals a need for adaptive techniques against swing‑friendly conditions, something Afghan bowlers have mastered.
The upcoming final ODI offers a pivotal moment for both sides to either cement a legacy or reignite a rebuilding process.
If Afghanistan clinches a 3‑0 sweep, their ICC ranking could surge, opening doors for more high‑profile fixtures against elite nations.
This would not only elevate the team’s stature but also inspire neighboring countries to invest in cricket infrastructure.
Conversely, Bangladesh must reflect on selection policies, perhaps promoting emerging players like Shanto to inject stability.
In the broader context, the series underscores how sport can act as a diplomatic bridge, fostering goodwill between nations despite geopolitical tensions.
Ultimately, the narrative of Afghanistan’s rise reminds us that with determination, strategic planning, and community support, even the newest entrants can challenge established hierarchies.
Aditya M Lahri
October 12, 2025 AT 05:53Well said! 🙌 As a coach, I see the value of those grassroots programs you mentioned – they’re the backbone of sustained performance.
Keeping the players grounded while nurturing talent will be key for the next series.
sona saoirse
October 12, 2025 AT 06:03i think its clear tha Bangladesh need more discipline in their battting lineup.
VALLI M N
October 12, 2025 AT 06:13Exactly! 🇦🇫 Bangladesh must step up or they’ll keep getting schooled. 😤
Aparajita Mishra
October 12, 2025 AT 06:23Oh, because a little sarcasm will magically fix a batting crisis – nice insight. 🙄