🇦🇫🔥 Afghanistan Seal Historic 3-0 ODI Whitewash Over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket hit another milestone as they crushed Bangladesh by 200 runs in the third and final ODI at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The emphatic victory not only sealed a 3-0 series sweep but also signaled a new era for Afghan cricket — built on discipline, tactical brilliance, and sheer bowling dominance.
From Ibrahim Zadran’s classy fifty to Bilal Sami’s maiden five-wicket haul and Rashid Khan’s magical spell, Afghanistan outplayed Bangladesh in every department.
🏆 A Statement of Dominance: Afghanistan’s Complete Performance
⚔️ Batting with Purpose and Precision
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan displayed rare composure on a dry Abu Dhabi surface. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave their side a dream start — a 99-run opening partnership that set the tone for the innings.
Gurbaz, ever explosive, struck five fours and a six in his 42-run knock, while Zadran blended patience with aggression, timing the ball beautifully through the covers.
When Gurbaz fell to a sharp delivery, Afghanistan were 99-1, but the scoreboard pressure never relented. Zadran continued his masterclass, finding support in Sediqullah Atal, as the duo pushed the total past 170.
💬 Cricketory Insight:
Afghanistan’s top order once struggled to handle quality seam attacks, but this new generation has evolved. Zadran’s balance at the crease and Gurbaz’s fearless intent mirror the team’s growing maturity.
💥 Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi: The Backbone of the Innings
🧱 Zadran’s Foundation
Ibrahim Zadran’s knock wasn’t just about runs — it was about setting rhythm. His shot selection, especially against Mehidy Hasan and Tanvir Islam, frustrated Bangladesh’s spinners. He rotated the strike smartly and pounced on loose deliveries, reaching his fifty with a confident cut shot.
🪄 Nabi’s Experience and Finishing Flair
Veteran Mohammad Nabi once again showed why he remains Afghanistan’s most dependable all-rounder. Walking in after a mini-collapse, Nabi took charge in the final overs.
When the 49th over began, Afghanistan had just crossed 250. Two overs later, they finished on 293-9 — thanks to Nabi’s incredible assault:
- Three sixes in four balls off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
- A six and three fours in the last over off Hasan Mahmud.
💬 Cricketory Insight:
Nabi’s final-over carnage was more than entertainment — it showcased his unmatched understanding of end-game pressure. Few players in world cricket today can shift momentum as dramatically.
⚡ Bangladesh’s Bowling: Momentary Spark, Then Collapse
Bangladesh did find brief hope through Saif Hassan, who broke through with three wickets in four overs, halting Afghanistan’s mid-innings charge. His off-spin dismissed Atal, Zadran, and Omarzai in quick succession.
But that spell was short-lived. The rest of the bowlers lacked consistency, missing yorkers and over-pitching at the death — a fatal error against power hitters like Nabi.
💬 Cricketory Analysis:
Bangladesh’s biggest flaw remains their inability to sustain pressure in the middle overs. Despite good starts, their bowlers leak runs when the field spreads. This ODI series brutally exposed that weakness.
💣 Rashid Khan Unleashes His Magic: 3 Wickets in 3 Overs
If Afghanistan’s batting built the platform, Rashid Khan demolished Bangladesh’s reply.
Chasing 294, Bangladesh’s openers were immediately under siege. Rashid entered the attack in the sixth over and within minutes, turned the match into a procession:
- Towhid Hridoy: Bowled first ball.
- Saif Hassan: Beaten by a googly, out soon after.
- Nurul Hasan: LBW, trapped plumb in front.
Bangladesh collapsed from 48-2 to 66-8 — Rashid’s brilliance setting the tone for destruction.
💬 Cricketory Insight:
Rashid Khan’s ability to pick wickets in clusters remains unmatched. In conditions offering slight grip, his control and variation are lethal. His spell today reminded fans of his 2019 World Cup heroics — clinical, confident, and captivating.
🎯 Bilal Sami’s Breakthrough: Five-Wicket Haul That Announced a Star
While Rashid dominated headlines, the day also belonged to Bilal Sami, Afghanistan’s emerging pace sensation.
Sami bowled with discipline, mixing in-swingers with clever cutters, and finished with figures of 5 for 28 — his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.
His wickets included Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Rishad, and Hasan Mahmud, showcasing his ability to dismantle both top and lower order.
💬 Cricketory Insight:
Sami’s spell was a glimpse of Afghanistan’s future pace potential. His control over line and length, coupled with natural aggression, could make him a mainstay alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai.
💔 Bangladesh’s Batting Nightmare: Another Collapse in Broad Daylight
Bangladesh’s batting never got going.
- Mohammad Naim struggled for 7 runs from 23 balls before edging to slip.
- Shanto’s poor form continued, bowled off an inside edge.
- Saif Hassan’s 43 was the only highlight in a sea of wickets.
The rest folded like dominoes. Shamim Hossain was run out in comical fashion, Nurul Hasan trapped LBW, and the tail failed to offer resistance.
💬 Cricketory Analysis:
This collapse wasn’t technical — it was mental. Bangladesh looked defeated from Rashid’s first wicket. Their body language, intent, and shot selection reflected fatigue and lack of belief.
🧩 Turning Points That Defined the Match
- Zadran-Gurbaz 99-Run Opening Stand — Set the platform.
- Saif Hassan’s Mini Comeback — Briefly dented momentum.
- Nabi’s Late Blitz (44 in last 2 overs) — Demoralized bowlers.
- Rashid’s Triple Blow — Killed the chase instantly.
- Sami’s Five-for — Completed the humiliation.
Each phase showcased Afghanistan’s superior game management — calm under pressure, ruthless with advantage.
🌍 Cricketory Insight: Afghanistan’s New Golden Era
This series wasn’t just a win — it was a statement to world cricket. Afghanistan’s ODI rise has been built on skill, depth, and unity.
From beating Sri Lanka to now thrashing Bangladesh 3-0, the team’s evolution under coach Jonathan Trott (and leadership group led by Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi) is visible.
🔍 Key Takeaways for Afghanistan:
- Depth in Bowling: Rashid, Nabi, Sami, and Omarzai form a lethal unit.
- Top-Order Maturity: Gurbaz and Zadran’s partnerships are increasingly consistent.
- Finishing Power: Nabi and Rashid can accelerate at will.
- Mental Growth: Afghanistan no longer crumble under pressure — they create it.
🏅 Player of the Match: Bilal Sami — The Game-Changer
Sami’s performance stood out for its rhythm and maturity. Every wicket came from a smart setup rather than sheer pace.
“I’ve been working hard with the bowling coach on control,” Sami said post-match. “To contribute in such a big series win feels special.”
💬 Cricketory Verdict:
Sami has all the ingredients to become Afghanistan’s frontline pacer in white-ball cricket. His ability to move the new ball and exploit reverse swing in death overs will make him invaluable in upcoming ICC events.
🧠 Bangladesh’s Reflection: What Went Wrong?
For Bangladesh, the tour turned into a nightmare. After winning the T20I series 3-0, they seemed mentally drained in the ODIs.
⚠️ Major Concerns Identified:
- Over-dependence on top order.
- Lack of middle-order intent.
- Ineffective spin attack outside subcontinent conditions.
- Poor death bowling discipline.
💬 Cricketory Suggestion:
Bangladesh needs a reset. Grooming new ODI specialists and rediscovering balance between aggression and caution must be the focus before the 2026 Champions Trophy.
🧩 Stat Corner: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI Series 2025
| Category | Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Series Result | 3–0 | 0–3 |
| Highest Individual Score | Ibrahim Zadran (78) | Saif Hassan (43) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Bilal Sami (5/28) | Saif Hassan (3/40) |
| Most Runs in Series | Ibrahim Zadran (181) | Towhid Hridoy (92) |
| Most Wickets | Rashid Khan (10) | Hasan Mahmud (5) |
💬 Cricketory Insight:
Afghanistan’s series stats reveal a balanced side — consistent top-order scores and bowlers who attack in pairs. That combination separates contenders from champions.
🌟 What This Win Means for Afghanistan Cricket
This 3-0 series triumph isn’t just another entry in the record books — it’s a symbol of arrival. Afghanistan have now beaten two established Asian teams (Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) in bilateral ODIs within a year.
It also boosts their ICC ODI Super League ranking, keeping them firmly in contention for the 2027 World Cup qualification path.
💬 Cricketory Prediction:
If Afghanistan maintain this momentum, they could break into the top 6 ODI teams by 2026 — a remarkable feat for a nation that only gained Test status in 2017.
💬 Cricketory Exclusive Analysis: The Rashid-Nabi Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi are more than players — they are cultural icons who transformed Afghanistan cricket’s identity. Their mentorship of players like Zadran, Farooqi, and Sami ensures the team’s continuity.
With a strong core and fearless youngsters, Afghanistan are now genuine dark horses for every ICC tournament.
❓ FAQs: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI Series 2025
🏏 Q1: Who won the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI series 2025?
A: Afghanistan won the series 3-0, defeating Bangladesh comprehensively in Abu Dhabi.
🎯 Q2: Who was the Player of the Match in the 3rd ODI?
A: Bilal Sami was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul.
⚡ Q3: How did Rashid Khan perform in the series?
A: Rashid Khan took 10 wickets across three matches, including three in his first three overs in the 3rd ODI.
🌍 Q4: What was Afghanistan’s total in the final ODI?
A: Afghanistan scored 293-9 in 50 overs, powered by half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi.
🔥 Q5: What’s next for Afghanistan cricket?
A: Afghanistan will prepare for a home ODI series against Ireland before the Asia Cup qualifiers and the 2026 Champions Trophy cycle.