When Ibrahim Zadran, the opening batsman, smashed 95 runs off 140 balls, and Rashid Khan ripped through the opposition with a five‑wicket haul, Afghanistan National Cricket Team clinched the series on October 11, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Afghanistan side posted 190 all out, then bundled out Bangladesh National Cricket Team for just 109, winning by 81 runs and sealing a 2‑0 lead in the three‑match ODI series. The win mattered because it reversed a drubbing in the preceding T20I series and gave the Afghan side momentum heading into a potential whitewash.
Historical Context: Afghanistan’s Rise on Neutral Soil
Cricket in Afghanistan has come a long way from makeshift pitches in Kabul to world‑stage venues like the UAE. Since gaining Full Member status in 2017, the team has relied on neutral venues because security concerns still limit home matches. The Emirates Cricket Board has been a pivotal partner, offering facilities that meet ICC standards. This series, part of the "Afghanistan and Bangladesh Tour in UAE 2025", kicked off on August 15, 2025, and runs through May 24, 2026, giving both sides a chance to fine‑tune their squads ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Match Details: How the Game Unfolded
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first on a pitch that crackled under the bright October sun. The early wickets fell quickly – Rahmanullah Gurbaz was out for 12, and Sediqullah Atal didn’t make it past 20. Yet Zadran steadied the ship, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when the run rate threatened to dip. His partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team captain, nudged the total past the 150‑run mark before Zadran was finally dismissed in the 38th over.
Bangladesh’s reply was a study in collapse. Opening with a modest 30, they quickly lost wickets at regular intervals. Mustafizur Rahman, a new addition, managed only two runs before falling to a nifty delivery from Khan. By the 28th over, Bangladesh were 105/9, needing 85 more runs from just 22 overs – a target that looked impossible on paper and even more so in reality. The final wicket fell with a neat in‑court catch, sealing the 81‑run defeat.
Player Performances: Stars and Struggles
Zadran’s 95 came off 140 balls, featuring 10 fours and two sixes. When asked about the pitch, he said, "It was tricky, but the bounce helped me play late and keep the scoreboard ticking." Meanwhile, Rashid Khan’s spell was the turning point. He claimed figures of 5 for 21, unsettling even Bangladesh’s senior batsmen with his uncanny mix of pace and turn. After the match, Khan modestly added, "I just bowled my best line, and the conditions did the rest."
On the Bangladeshi side, the changes – replacing Taskin Ahmed with Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud with Rishad Hossain – didn’t pay off. Hossain’s 5 runs off 14 balls epitomised the team’s inability to build partnerships, a stark contrast to Afghanistan’s earlier resilience.
Reactions and Impact: What It Means for Both Teams
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his side’s discipline: "I am happy to win the series and I congratulate Ibrahim Zadran for his knock, as it was not an easy pitch to bat on. Rashid Khan is a world‑class bowler and I congratulate him as well for bagging the five‑fer." The win boosts Afghanistan’s confidence ahead of the final ODI, where a series whitewash is within reach.
For Bangladesh, the loss reignites questions about their middle order’s depth. Coach Stephen Fleming (still a stand‑in) hinted at a review of batting strategies, noting that “the ability to adapt to slow, turning tracks is something we need to improve.” The Tigers will soon travel to West Indies for a home series, meaning they have little time to regroup.
Looking Ahead: The Final ODI and Beyond
The third and deciding ODI is slated for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm GMT, same venue. Afghanistan will aim to finish the series 3‑0, a historic feat that could propel them up the ICC ODI rankings. Bangladesh, on the other hand, hopes to salvage pride and fine‑tune their lineup before the West Indies trip.
Beyond the series, both teams have their eyes on the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers. A strong finish here could shape seedings and confidence levels for the crucial qualification matches later in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Afghanistan’s ICC ranking?
The victory adds valuable points to Afghanistan’s ICC ODI tally, likely nudging them up a few spots ahead of the next ranking update in November. A series whitewash would be a significant boost, especially after a T20I whitewash loss.
What were the key factors behind Bangladesh’s batting collapse?
Early wickets sparked panic, and Rashid Khan’s tight line prevented any recovery. Additionally, the replacement players struggled to adjust to the slower pitch, contributing to the low run rate and ultimate all‑out.
When and where is the final ODI of the series?
The third ODI will be played on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm GMT, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Who were the standout performers for Afghanistan?
Ibrahim Zadran’s 95‑run innings and Rashid Khan’s five‑wicket spell were the highlights. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s calm leadership also earned praise.
What does Bangladesh have next after this series?
Bangladesh will head back home for a bilateral series against the West Indies, set to begin the following week. The Tigers hope to bounce back and fine‑tune their squad before the West Indies tour.