Gurbaz and Omarzai Lead Afghanistan to Series Win Over Bangladesh

On Monday evening in Sharjah, Afghanistan chased down a target of 245 to defeat Bangladesh and win the series 2-1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star, scoring 101 runs with powerful sixes and steady singles. His century, the second of his career in a run chase, put Afghanistan in a strong position.

The chase wasn’t without challenges. When Gurbaz was dismissed in the 39th over, Afghanistan still needed 57 runs with five wickets left. But Azmatullah Omarzai stepped up, scoring an unbeaten 70 runs off 77 balls, guiding Afghanistan to victory with help from Mohammad Nabi, who scored a quick 34*.

Omarzai hit five sixes, sealing the win with a huge hit over long-on. His 100-run partnership with Gurbaz kept Afghanistan in control even when Bangladesh tried to fight back.

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh’s innings started well with an opening stand of 53. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers quickly struck back, taking four wickets in just six overs. This put Bangladesh in trouble at 72 for 4 by the 15th over.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (66) and Mahmudullah (98) then built a steady partnership of 145 runs, helping Bangladesh recover. Although they were slow at first, they managed to score faster towards the end, adding 78 runs in the final 10 overs. Mahmudullah hit some big shots and survived a couple of close calls but was run out for 98 on the last ball.

Despite their efforts, Bangladesh’s score of 244 wasn’t enough. Gurbaz and Omarzai’s impressive batting led Afghanistan to a five-wicket win, sealing the series. Omarzai, who also took four wickets, was named Player of the Match, as Afghanistan celebrated another strong ODI series win.