Wed Nov 06 18:37:23 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan Clinch Thrilling 92-Run Win Over Bangladesh in First ODI
**Sharjah, UAE:** A sensational bowling performance by Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who claimed a record-breaking six wickets, including three in a single over, propelled Afghanistan to a dominant 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Ghazanfar’s devastating spell saw Bangladesh crumble from a promising 120/2 to 138/8, with the young off-spinner finishing with figures of 6/26 in just 6.3 overs. This marked the best bowling figures in Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI matches.
Earlier, Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, were steered to a respectable 235 by Mohammed Nabi’s crucial 84 runs. The team had been in early trouble at 36/4 but recovered brilliantly thanks to Nabi’s knock and a crucial partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Bangladesh’s chase started well, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar establishing a solid platform. However, Ghazanfar’s heroics triggered a dramatic collapse, leaving the Tigers with an insurmountable task.
“The way the spinners bowled was brilliant,” enthused Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi after the match. “He (Allah Ghazanfar) is a special talent and has a good future for Afghanistan.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Shanto, who was reluctant to continue his captaincy stint from this series, expressed disappointment at his team’s performance. “We started well but didn’t execute our plans in the middle overs,” he said. “The preparation was brilliant, but today was not our day.”
This victory will provide a significant boost to Afghanistan, who are currently enjoying a successful run of form. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find their mojo ahead of the remaining two ODIs in the series.
First Piper 