Thu Nov 07 05:05:06 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan Pummel Bangladesh in Series Opener, Ghazanfar Takes Six Wickets
**KABUL, [Date]**: Afghanistan secured a commanding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI of the three-match series, sending a strong message ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The hosts were propelled by a stunning six-wicket haul from 18-year-old offspinner Allah Ghazanfar, who dismantled the Bangladesh batting line-up in a dramatic collapse.
Bangladesh, despite a strong start with Najmul Hossain Shanto (47) and Soumya Sarkar (23) putting on a 53-run stand, crumbled under pressure. Ghazanfar, who had earlier removed opener Tanzid Hasan, returned in the 31st over to wreak havoc. He picked up the key wickets of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim in quick succession, before claiming a triple-wicket over in the 32nd. His carrom balls proved too much for the Bangladeshi batsmen, resulting in a dramatic collapse from 120 for 2 to 143 all out in just over eight overs.
The early inroads made by Ghazanfar were further capitalized upon by veteran Mohammad Nabi who cleverly lured Shanto into a sweep shot, resulting in a top edge catch. This opened the floodgates for Afghanistan who exploited the resulting gaps in the Bangladesh lineup.
Earlier, Bangladesh bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-53) and Mustafizur Rahman (4-58) had initially put the brakes on the Afghan innings, reducing them to 71 for 5 in 20 overs. However, a crucial 104-run partnership between Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (52) and Nabi (84) steadied the ship. Nabi continued to press on, smashing four fours and three sixes to propel Afghanistan past the 200-run mark before falling to Taskin. Nangeyalia Kharote’s unbeaten 27 ensured Afghanistan reached a formidable 235, a target that proved insurmountable for Bangladesh.
The series continues on [Date] and [Date]. With this resounding victory, Afghanistan have taken an early 1-0 lead in the series and will be looking to capitalize on their momentum.
First Piper 