Wed Nov 13 03:07:32 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan Clinches Series Against Bangladesh with Thrilling Five-Wicket Win
**Sharjah, UAE:** Afghanistan secured a thrilling victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI on Monday, claiming the series 2-1. The Afghans, led by the brilliance of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai, chased down a target of 245 with 10 balls to spare.
Gurbaz, who had a relatively quiet first two games, exploded in the decider, smashing his eighth ODI century. He reached the milestone off 117 balls, a remarkable achievement that made him the second youngest player after Quinton de Kock to achieve eight ODI hundreds in men’s T20Is. He eventually fell for 101 runs off 120 balls, laced with five fours and seven sixes.
Omarzai, who was equally impressive with the ball earlier in the match, taking 4 wickets for 37 runs, continued his stellar performance with the bat. He anchored the chase, scoring a crucial 70 runs off 77 balls, guiding Afghanistan towards victory. Mohammad Nabi’s unbeaten 34-run knock provided valuable support.
Earlier, Bangladesh, batting first, posted a respectable 244 for eight thanks to a strong partnership between Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mahmudullah, who had a disappointing series so far, redeemed himself with a blistering 98 runs off 98 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes. He was run out on the final ball of the innings while attempting a second run. Miraz, making his ODI captaincy debut, scored a steady 66 runs off 119 balls.
Despite a good start, Bangladesh suffered a middle-order collapse, losing wickets in quick succession. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Omarzai, kept the pressure on, restricting Bangladesh to a below-par total.
The victory showcases Afghanistan’s growing strength in limited-overs cricket. Gurbaz’s batting brilliance, combined with Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, proved instrumental in securing a crucial series win.
First Piper 