When Afghanistan Cricket Board's side took the field against the Bangladesh Cricket Board squad at the United Arab Emirates on 15 October 2025, few imagined the drama that would unfold. The opening contest of the Etisalat Cup ODI seriesUnited Arab Emirates saw Afghanistan chase down a 221‑run total with 17 balls to spare, cruising to a five‑wicket win. Central to the chase were wicket‑keeper‑batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, middle‑order ace Rahmat Shah, and the all‑rounder Azmatullah Omarzai who also claimed three wickets. Opposing Bangladesh’s top scorer was all‑rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who struck 60 runs.
Series Background and Stakes
The three‑match tour, billed as Bangladesh’s 2025 visit to the UAE, was designed to give both sides valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming ICC events. While Bangladesh arrived as the higher‑rated side on paper, Afghanistan has been on an upward trajectory, with recent wins in the Asia Cup sparking belief they could challenge the regional heavyweights.
Both cricket boards agreed on the Etisalat Cup format to ensure a level playing field—each ODI would be played on a neutral pitch, alleviating any home‑ground advantage. The venue, though not disclosed in the official press release, was a state‑of‑the‑art facility in Dubai that has hosted several high‑profile fixtures in the past.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. Their top order flickered, and the innings collapsed at 221 all out in 48.5 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored the chase with a steady 60, while Tawhid Hridoy contributed 56. Early breakthroughs came from Tanzim, who dismissed opener Ibrahim Zadran for 23, leaving Afghanistan at 52‑1.
Afghanistan’s response began shakily; Sidiq All‑Atal fell for a golden duck, slipping at mid‑wicket at 58‑2. The tide turned when Gurbaz and Shah forged a 114‑run partnership—Gurbaz’s crisp 50 off 76 balls and Shah’s equally composed 50 off 70 balls steadied the chase.
Omarzai’s all‑round display capped the effort. After a modest 40‑run knock, he bowled a tidy spell of 3 for 40, breaking crucial Bangladesh partnerships. Rashid Khan, the leg‑spin maestro, added another 3 for 38, keeping the run‑rate in check.
With Afghanistan at 195‑5, Mohammad Nabi closed the innings, smoking a six to seal a 226‑5 finish in 47.1 overs. The final six, described by commentators as "a blow that finished it," sent the crowd into a brief roar.
Performance Highlights
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 50 runs, 76 balls, strike rate 65.8; also took two catches behind the stumps.
- Rahmat Shah – 50 runs, 70 balls, strike rate 71.4; anchored the chase with a calm cover drive.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 40 runs, 44 balls; 3/40 with the ball, earning him the “all‑round hero” tag.
- Rashid Khan – 3 wickets for 38 runs, economy 4.27, breaking the partnership at 150‑2.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 60 runs, 87 balls, 1/45 with the ball, the lone bright spot for Bangladesh.
Statistically, Afghanistan’s chase was the fastest of the series so far, achieving the target with a run‑rate of 4.78 runs per over, compared to Bangladesh’s 4.55 during their innings.
Reactions and Analysis
Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (not a primary entity for markup) praised his bowlers, saying, "The bowlers kept the pressure, and the middle order stepped up when it mattered." Bangladesh’s skipper Shakib Al Hasan (also not marked) admitted the side needed to regroup, noting, "We have to tighten the middle‑order and finish our overs stronger."
Cricket analysts highlighted Afghanistan’s depth in spin — Rashid’s three wickets came at a crucial juncture, and the fielding standards, especially a “gorgeous cover drive” by Shah, demonstrated the team’s growing confidence on the world stage.
What Lies Ahead
The second ODI is slated for 18 October 2025, still in the UAE. Both sides will likely tweak their line‑ups; Bangladesh may promote veteran opener Liton Das to give a steadier start, while Afghanistan could experiment with a different opening partnership.
With the series now 1‑0, the pressure shifts to Bangladesh. If they can improve their power‑play conversion, the series could still swing in their favour. For Afghanistan, the win provides a morale boost and a chance to claim the series outright with two wins out of three.
Historical Context
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been meteoric. Since gaining full ICC member status in 2017, they have recorded landmark series victories against established teams like West Indies and Sri Lanka. This win adds to a string of successful outings, reinforcing the notion that they are no longer an underdog.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, has been a consistent contender in the sub‑continental circuit but has struggled on neutral venues. Their last series loss away from home came in 2021 against New Zealand, making this defeat a potential turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Bangladesh’s chances in the series?
Losing the first match puts Bangladesh on the back foot, needing to win the next two games to claim the series. Their batting collapse early in the chase means they must tighten the top order and finish stronger in the remaining ODIs.
Who were the standout performers for Afghanistan?
The joint top‑scorers were Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, each with 50 runs. All‑rounder Azmatullah Omarzai also shone, taking three wickets and adding 40 runs, while Rashid Khan contributed another three wickets.
What were the key moments that turned the match?
Afghanistan’s 114‑run partnership between Gurbaz and Shah steadied the chase after early wickets. Rashid Khan’s spell that broke the 150‑run stand, followed by Omarzai’s late wickets, kept Bangladesh from mounting a comeback.
When and where is the next ODI scheduled?
The second ODI is set for 18 October 2025 at the same venue in the United Arab Emirates, continuing the Etisalat Cup series.
What does this win mean for Afghanistan’s ODI ranking?
The victory is likely to boost Afghanistan’s position in the ICC ODI rankings, closing the gap with higher‑rated Asian teams and strengthening their case for a World Cup berth.
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