When Afghanistan national cricket team chased down Bangladesh national cricket team at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 11 November 2024, they sealed a five‑wicket win in the series‑deciding third One Day International. The match formed the climax of the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 3rd ODISharjah, a contest organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and sanctioned by the International Cricket Council.
Match Summary: How the game unfolded
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. Their top order got them off to a decent start, but a flurry of wickets at 1‑53 and again at 2‑53 saw the scoreboard stall early. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to steady things with a gritty 66 off 119 balls, yet the run‑rate lingered at just 4.88. Bangladesh posted 244/8 after the full 50 overs, helped by 18 runs of extras (5 leg‑byes, 13 wides).
In response, Afghanistan began cautiously but soon found rhythm. Opening partnerships kept the required run‑rate gentle, and by the 30th over the chase was well within reach. With two overs left and six runs needed, Azmatullah Omarzai smashed a quick fifty, guiding the side to 246/5 in 48.2 overs. The win came with ten balls to spare, handing Afghanistan a 2‑1 series lead.
Key Batting Performances
For Bangladesh, the lone highlight was a silky 98 off 98 balls by Mahmudullah. He struck seven fours and three sixes before falling just two runs short of a century – a bittersweet moment, as he said afterward, "I felt the pressure of the milestone, but the team needed runs, not my personal record." Meanwhile, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s half‑century was a taxing effort, achieved at a strike rate of 55.46, reflecting the tight bowling Afghanistan applied.
Afghanistan’s chase was anchored by Omarzai’s 50‑run knock, which came after he had already taken four wickets. Lower‑order contributions from Mohammad Nabi (14 off 12) and Gulbadin Naib (12 off 10) added valuable runs before Naib’s dismissal at 193/5.
Bowling Dominance: Omarzai’s all‑round heroics
The decisive swing came with the ball. Omarzai ripped through Bangladesh’s batting line‑up, claiming four wickets for just 38 runs. He bowled out Soumya Sarkar, trapped Mehidy Hasan Miraz (caught by Gulbadin Naib), and dismissed Nasum Ahmed and Jaker Ali. Veteran pacer Rashid Khan added the wicket of Towhid Hridoy with a clean catch by Naib.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain the run‑rate, conceding 32 extras and failing to take a wicket until the 31st over, when Mohammad Nabi finally broke through, dismissing Soumya Sarkar again (second wicket). The lack of sustained pressure allowed Afghanistan to build the needed momentum.
Reactions from the Dugout and Beyond
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, praised his bowlers: "Our bowlers executed the plan perfectly, and I’m proud of how the team handled the chase under pressure." He also highlighted the importance of the win for Afghanistan’s ODI ranking, noting that a series victory against a Test‑playing nation boosts confidence ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Bangladesh’s coach, Campbell Brown, acknowledged the missed opportunities: "Mahmudullah’s innings was world‑class, but a few early wickets cost us momentum. We’ll regroup and focus on the next series." The post‑match interview also revealed that the team is reviewing its middle‑order strategy for future games.
Historical Context: Afghanistan’s rise in ODI cricket
The win marks Afghanistan’s third ODI series victory on foreign soil since gaining Full Member status in 2017. Historically, the side has relied heavily on spin, but the 2024 Sharjah triumph underscores a growing depth in fast‑bowling, exemplified by Omarzai’s pace and accuracy. Comparatively, Bangladesh has struggled on sub‑continental pitches outside home conditions; their last away series win was against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Experts, such as former Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya, commented that Afghanistan’s balanced attack makes them a “dangerous opponent in any neutral venue.” The ICC has already earmarked Afghanistan for a potential spot in the 2027 World Cup, provided they maintain this upward trajectory.
What’s next? Upcoming fixtures and stakes
With the series now at 2‑1, Bangladesh will host Afghanistan for a limited‑overs T20 series in Dhaka later this month. Both teams will use the matches as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier slated for early 2025. Afghanistan’s next big test will be a three‑match ODI series against the West Indies in early 2025, where they’ll try to cement their place in the ICC ODI rankings.
For Bangladesh, the focus shifts to rebuilding the middle order and fine‑tuning the death‑overs strategy. The coaching staff has hinted at giving younger talents, like Afif Hossain, more responsibility in the upcoming T20 games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Afghanistan’s win affect its ODI ranking?
The victory pushes Afghanistan up two places in the ICC ODI rankings, moving them from 12th to 10th. The five‑wicket win against a higher‑ranked Bangladesh adds valuable rating points and strengthens their case for future World Cup qualification.
What were the key factors behind Bangladesh’s batting collapse?
Early wickets at 1‑53 and 2‑53 disrupted any partnership momentum. Additionally, tight line‑and‑length from Omarzai’s pace and Rashid Khan’s variations limited scoring options, while Bangladesh’s senior batsmen failed to rotate the strike effectively.
Who were the standout performers for Afghanistan?
All‑rounder Azmatullah Omarzai stole the show with 4/38 and a decisive 50‑run cameo. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s steady leadership and Mohammad Nabi’s useful cameo also contributed to the win.
What does this result mean for Bangladesh’s upcoming T20 series?
The loss highlights vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s middle order and death‑over bowling. Coach Campbell Brown is expected to experiment with younger players and adjust the batting order to address the issues exposed in Sharjah.
When is the next international match for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan’s next series begins in February 2025, when they face the West Indies in a three‑match ODI series in the Caribbean. That will be a crucial test of the side’s form ahead of the ICC World Cup qualifiers.
