Thu Nov 07 07:04:57 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan Clinches First ODI Against Bangladesh in a Dramatic Collapse
**Sharjah, UAE**: A comfortable chase turned into a disastrous collapse for Bangladesh as Afghanistan secured a thrilling 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Bangladesh, chasing a modest target of 235 runs, were cruising at 120/2, but lost their last eight wickets for a paltry 23 runs, falling to a disappointing 143 all out.
The downfall was orchestrated by Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who delivered a career-defining spell, claiming 6 wickets for a mere 26 runs. The left-arm wrist spinner wreaked havoc, picking up three crucial wickets in a single over, including those of Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed.
Earlier, Bangladesh looked to be in control with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan putting together a promising partnership. However, the introduction of Mohammad Nabi brought the first breakthrough, breaking the 55-run stand and setting the stage for Ghazanfar’s spellbinding performance.
Afghanistan, themselves struggling at 71/5, were rescued by a half-century from captain Hashamtullah Shahidi and a crucial knock from Mohammad Nabi. The duo steered their team to a respectable total of 235, setting up the stage for their bowlers to produce a stunning victory.
This crushing defeat marks Bangladesh’s eighth consecutive loss across formats in international cricket. They will be looking to bounce back in the remaining two ODIs, with the series poised at 1-0 in favor of Afghanistan.
First Piper 