Gurbaz’s Century and Omarzai’s All-Round Performance Lead Afghanistan to 5 Wickets Victory
Gurbaz, Omarzai, and a Four-Wicket Haul Secure Afghanistan’s Series Win Against Bangladesh in Sharjah
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in the third ODI, winning by five wickets to clinch the series 3-0 in an exciting match played at Sharjah on November 11, 2024. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s eighth ODI century was crucial, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s contributions with the bat and the ball helped Afghanistan successfully chase down Bangladesh’s 244-run total.
Key Performances and Match Scorecard
Afghanistan 246 for 5 (Gurbaz 101, Omarzai 70*, Rana 2-40) beat Bangladesh 244 for 8 (Mahmudullah 98, Mehidy 66, Omarzai 4-37) by 5 wickets
Match Analysis
After Bangladesh scored a competitive total, Afghanistan’s pursuit of 245 appeared difficult. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 101 runs, demonstrating remarkable maturity and poise after previously struggling in run chases. Afghanistan reached 246/5 in 47.2 overs, including 42 runs from sixes alone during his innings.
These opportunities were taken advantage of by Gurbaz, who was dropped early by substitute fielder Rishad Hossain and got mixed up with Hashmatullah Shahidi. He and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 100-run partnership was essential in keeping the chase going after Afghanistan was cut to 84/3 in the 21st over.
A calm knock of 70* from 77 balls was played by Azmatullah Omarzai, who had not previously made an impression with the bat in the previous games. In the last moments of the chase, he gained control and smashed five sixes, including a huge hit over long-on that ended the match. After taking four wickets for 37 runs with the ball earlier, his performances not only guaranteed Afghanistan’s victory but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
After a difficult start, Bangladesh’s middle-order batsmen Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz rallied earlier in the day. Bangladesh achieved a competitive total thanks to Mahmudullah and Mehidy’s 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket, even though they lost early wickets like Tanzid Hasan and Zakir Hasan. Mehidy played a patient 66-run knock, but Mahmudullah scored the most runs (98).
Early in Bangladesh’s innings, Afghanistan’s bowlers were in control; Azmatullah Omarzai’s vital 24-run dismissal of Soumya Sarkar ended a 53-run opening partnership. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Omarzai himself maintained the pressure in the middle overs, bringing Bangladesh down to 128/5 in the 25th over. Nevertheless, despite a few late wickets, Mahmudullah’s tenacity helped Bangladesh to 244/8.
Afghanistan won the series for the third time in a row thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s second successful chase century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-around skill. Gurbaz laid the groundwork, but Omarzai’s composed finish and 4-wicket haul gave Afghanistan the win, demonstrating their increasing power across the board.
