BAN vs AFG: The ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh was pretty much a one-sided affair in favor of the guests and it has made a lot of cricket pundits wonder about Afghanistan’s prospects in the upcoming World Cup even though it’s a shorter format.
However, the hosts managed to salvage the situation and save themselves the shame of being in the wrong end of a whitewash, by winning the last match in a dominating fashion.
The first ODI was a low-scoring affair, with Bangladesh winning by 16 runs. Afghanistan were bowled out for 169, with Shakib Al Hasan taking 3 for 26. Bangladesh then reached their target in 39.3 overs, with Tamim Iqbal top-scoring with 58.
The second ODI was a much more high-scoring affair, with Afghanistan winning by 142 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a record-breaking opening partnership of 256 for Afghanistan, before they were eventually bowled out for 331. Bangladesh were bowled out for 189 in reply, with Rashid Khan taking 4 for 33.
The third and final ODI was a much calmer affair, with Bangladesh winning by 7 wickets. Afghanistan were bowled out for 126, with Mustafizur Rahman taking 3 for 24. Bangladesh then chased down the target in 23.3 overs, with Mahmudullah top-scoring with 52.
Key players from the series so far:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz has been in excellent form in the series, scoring two centuries and a half-century. He is the leading run-scorer for Afghanistan in the series, with 318 runs at an average of 106.
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): Zadran has also been in good form, scoring a century and a half-century in the series. He is the second-leading run-scorer for Afghanistan in the series, with 250 runs at an average of 83.33.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Khan has been his usual brilliant self with the ball, taking 10 wickets in the series at an average of 13.50. He has also taken two wickets in each of the first and third ODIs.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): Rahman has been the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 8 wickets in the series at an average of 16.25. He has taken three wickets in each of the first and third ODIs.
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Batting
Both teams have some excellent batsmen in their ranks. For Bangladesh, Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan are the key players. Das is a brilliant stroke-player who can score runs quickly, while Shakib is a more versatile batsman who can bat anywhere in the order. Other important batsmen for Bangladesh include Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
Afghanistan’s batting is led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz is a destructive opener who can score big runs, while Zadran is a more patient batsman who can build an innings. Other important batsmen for Afghanistan include Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan.
Bowling
Bangladesh’s bowling attack is led by Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan. Mustafizur is a world-class fast bowler who can take wickets in all conditions, while Shakib is a brilliant all-rounder who can bowl both spin and pace. Other important bowlers for Bangladesh include Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nasum Ahmed.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack is led by Rashid Khan. Rashid is one of the best bowlers in the world, and he can take wickets in all formats. Other important bowlers for Afghanistan include Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.