Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging pride in the final One Day International were dashed as Afghanistan outclassed them once again, sealing a 200-run victory in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. With this win, Afghanistan completed a commanding 3-0 ODI series sweep over Bangladesh, reversing the script after Bangladesh’s earlier T20I dominance.

The Tigers, who had shown glimpses of fight throughout the tour, were completely undone by Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack and power-packed batting. From start to finish, the game reflected Bangladesh’s recurring struggles with both bat and ball in foreign conditions.

 Afghanistan’s Explosive Start

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan started aggressively through openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The duo added 99 runs for the opening wicket, setting the tone for a big total. Gurbaz was the aggressor, smashing five fours and a six during his quickfire 42.

Zadran, on the other hand, anchored the innings superbly. Following his 95 in the previous match, he once again demonstrated composure and control, scoring another fluent 95 off 109 balls. His partnership of 74 runs with Sediqullah Atal helped Afghanistan reach 173 for 1 by the 32nd over — a platform that seemed destined for a 300-plus total.

However, the Tigers found a momentary breakthrough when part-time spinner Saif Hassan produced a brilliant spell. Bowling with discipline and subtle variations, Saif took three wickets in four overs, briefly halting Afghanistan’s momentum. His spell saw Afghanistan lose four wickets for just 15 runs, collapsing from 173 for 1 to 188 for 5.

Nabi’s Late Onslaught Changes the Game

Just when Bangladesh thought they had regained control, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi stepped in to change the complexion of the game. Batting on 24 off 25 balls, Nabi exploded in the final two overs.

After Nahid Rana left the field due to injury, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had to finish the over — and Nabi capitalized fully, smashing him for three sixes in four balls. He wasn’t done yet; in the final over bowled by Hasan Mahmud, Nabi struck another six and three fours, scoring 38 runs in just nine balls to finish unbeaten on 62 off 38 deliveries.

That late surge took Afghanistan from a vulnerable 249 for 9 to a commanding 293 for 9, adding 44 runs in the final two overs. It was a devastating blow for the bowlers, who had fought hard in the middle overs but couldn’t contain the onslaught in the death.

Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse

Chasing 294 was always going to be a stiff target on a used Abu Dhabi surface, but Bangladesh’s reply unraveled almost instantly. Openers Mohammad Naim and Saif Hassan began cautiously, but once Naim fell for 7 after a 23-ball struggle, the procession began.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s poor run continued as he chopped one onto his stumps off Bilal Sami, who was playing only his third ODI. Sami’s pace and bounce proved too hot to handle for Bangladesh’s middle order.

Saif Hassan, however, provided the lone bright spot in an otherwise gloomy chase. Displaying solid technique and intent, he struck two fours and three sixes on his way to a resilient 43 off 54 balls. Unfortunately, wickets kept tumbling around him.

Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh’s most promising batter in recent months, was undone first ball by Rashid Khan’s trademark googly. Moments later, Saif himself became a victim of Rashid’s sharp spin, missing another googly by a whisker.

From there, Bangladesh’s innings collapsed in familiar fashion. Mehidy Hasan Miraz edged behind for 6, Shamim Hossain was run out needlessly, and Nurul Hasan became Rashid’s third scalp, trapped lbw in the 21st over.

Bilal Sami then cleaned up the tail, finishing with remarkable figures of 5 for 33 — his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. Rashid’s spell of 3 for 12 ensured that Bangladesh were bundled out for a paltry 93 in just 28 overs, their lowest ODI total against Afghanistan.

Bangladesh’s Struggles Continue Abroad

For Bangladesh, this ODI series has raised serious questions about their consistency and adaptability in away conditions. Despite having a blend of youth and experience, the team failed to deliver under pressure.

The top order’s inability to handle quality fast bowling, combined with their ongoing struggle against spin, remains a major concern. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s extended lean patch and the lack of partnerships in the middle order have cost Bangladesh dearly.

In contrast, Afghanistan displayed remarkable improvement and hunger. Their bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan and Bilal Sami, exploited Bangladesh’s weaknesses with precision. Ibrahim Zadran’s back-to-back match-winning knocks and Mohammad Nabi’s explosive finish showcased the growing maturity of the Afghan side.

Saif Hassan Shines Amid the Chaos

Despite the heavy defeat, Saif Hassan’s performance stood out as a rare positive for Bangladesh. His three wickets in the first innings and his composed 43 in the chase highlighted his all-round ability and temperament. Saif’s spell not only broke Afghanistan’s rhythm but also kept Bangladesh momentarily in the contest before Nabi’s late assault.

The young all-rounder’s emergence provides hope for Bangladesh’s future, especially in the absence of several senior players. If groomed well, Saif could become a vital cog in Bangladesh’s limited-overs setup, contributing both with bat and ball.

The Road Ahead for Bangladesh

With this defeat, Bangladesh will need to go back to the drawing board ahead of their upcoming assignments.

The bowling unit also requires more discipline at the death overs — an area repeatedly exploited by opponents. Bangladesh’s fielding lapses, too, need addressing if they wish to compete consistently at the international level.

As Afghanistan celebrate a historic ODI series triumph, Bangladesh will look to regroup, refine their strategy, and rediscover their fighting spirit before their next outing.