Bangladesh-Afghanistan ODI Series
First ODI Played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on 5 July 2023
Afghanistan 82/3 in 21.4 Overs (Ibrahim Zadran 43*) beat Bangladesh 169/9 in 43 Overs (Towhid Hridoy 51. Litton K Das 26, Fazal Haq Faruki 3/24, Rashid Khan 2/ 21, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/23) by 17 runs by D/L Method
Bangladesh flying high after some spectacular performance in all formats at home in 2023 had a reality check against very formidable and well-prepared Afghanistan in the rain-curtailed first match of the three matches ODI series on Wednesday (July 5).
Bangladesh think tank may consider it a bad dream or a rare bad day in the office. But in real analysis, top-quality Afghan attack treated vaunted Bangladeshi batsmen as mere mortal. Not only against Rashid, Mujeeb or Nabi Bangladeshi batsmen even struggled to come in terms with Fazal Haq Faruki seaming and suing turning out as the highest wicket taker. Tamim, Litton, Shanto, Mushfique, Afif, Miraz all had soft disposals. Young Towhid Hridoy tried to hold the innings together producing 51, Shakib after playing with caution for a while fell to a brilliant athletic catch by veteran Nabi. 169/9 in rain-curtailed 43 overs proved not enough for committed Afghans. Scoring 83/2 in 21.4 Overs Afghan won the match by 17 runs in D/L method.
Bangladesh is otherwise is one of the stronger ODI unit and almost invincible in home condition. On the other hand, Afghanistan is also a very strong team in white ball cricket. With Asia Cup and World Cup round the corner, Afghans rested most of their key players for the one off test match last month. Bangladesh blew them off. Perhaps that made Bangladesh a bit complacent. This series has been considered extremely important as CWC 2023 will also be played on almost similar condition in India in October.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan will feature in the first match of the two teams at Dharamshala. The teams are considered dark horses of the tournament.
Afghan captain Hashmatullah won a very crucial toss and without any hesitation elected to field under a dark cloud on a greenish wicket. Tamim himself stated as not 100% match fit. Yet he played and soon was seen struggling against the suing and seam movement of Fazal Haq Faruki. His feet were not moving at all. He fell to a cleverly bowled outswinger. Litton, Shanto, Mushfique, Afif, Mehedi Miraz all had soft dismissals against top quality spin and pace attack of Afghanistan. Only Towhid Hridoy and Shakib tried to resist. Shakib fell to a brilliant one-handed diving catch of veteran Nabi. Fazal Haq, Rashid, and Mujeeb combined to reduce Bangladesh to 169/9 in curtailed 43 overs. The fragility of Bangladesh batting was exposed. Bangladesh batsmen also contributed to their dismal downfall.
Afghans on the other hand batted with patience and purpose. Gurbaz and Zadran looked calm and composed in their opening partnership of 51 before Shakib struck removing Gurbaz. Bangladesh bowlers could not exploit the uneven surface. Rain again interfered. But not before Afghanistan reached 83/2 in 21.4 overs earning the team a richly deserved win by 17 runs on D/L method.
Bangladesh should learn a lesson and come better prepared for the remaining two matches on the 8th and 11th of July. Experts will insist that Bangladesh sadly missed the services of experienced Mahmudullah Riad kept out of the squad. At this stage, Afghanistan looks like the horse having noses in front for winning the race.
BDST: 1155 HRS, JULY 6, 2023
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