Rashid’s fifer powers Afghanistan to series-clinching 81-run win over Bangladesh

Afghanistan clinched the three-match ODI series with a game to spare, defeating Bangladesh by 81 runs in the second ODI on Saturday, thanks to Rashid Khan’s sensational 5-17 in 8.3 overs. Defending 190, Rashid dismantled Bangladesh’s middle and lower order after Azmatullah Omarzai’s early breakthroughs, bundling out the Tigers for 109 in 28.3 overs.

Towhid Hridoy’s 24 off 34 was Bangladesh’s highest, while Saif Hassan’s quick 22 showed promise before a familiar collapse. Omarzai struck early, removing Tanzid Tamim for a duck and Najmul Hossain Shanto (7), who ran himself out. At 50-4 in 11 overs, Hridoy’s dismissal by Rashid triggered a swift end.

Earlier, Afghanistan struggled on a sluggish pitch, reaching 190 in 44.5 overs, anchored by Ibrahim Zadran’s gritty 95 off 140. Mohammad Nabi (22 off 30) and AM Ghazanfar (22 off 18) offered support, but the innings folded after Zadran’s exit. Bangladesh’s bowlers shone, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3-42), Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2-35), and Rishad Hossain (2-37) leading the attack.

Despite restricting Afghanistan, Bangladesh’s batting frailties—poor shot selection and lack of partnerships—resurfaced, raising concerns about their ODI form. The final ODI is on Tuesday.

Ibrahim Zadran’s resilient 95 off 140 anchored Afghanistan to 190 in 44.5 overs. Mohammad Nabi (22 off 30) and AM Ghazanfar (22 off 18) chipped in, but no other batter reached double figures. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2-35) struck early, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11), while Tanvir Islam and Rishad Hossain took key wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 3-42 kept Afghanistan in check.

Afghanistan, 1-0 up after winning the toss, opted to bat on a pitch favouring spinners later. Bangladesh replaced Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud with Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain.