AFG vs BAN: Unstoppable Afghan Tigers Roar to Victory Against Bangladesh
Afghanistan has managed to win the first two ODIs against Bangladesh (Source: Twitter)
Afghanistan dominated Bangladesh in the second ODI, securing a convincing victory by 142 runs at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. This win marked Afghanistan's third-largest margin of victory in ODIs. The standout performers for Afghanistan were their opening batsmen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
Gurbaz displayed a career-best performance, scoring an impressive 145 runs off 125 balls, including thirteen fours and eight sixes. Zadran also contributed significantly with a century, scoring 100 runs with nine fours and a six. Together, they formed a record-breaking partnership of 256 runs for the opening stand, Afghanistan's highest partnership for any wicket. Afghanistan set a formidable target of 331-9 in 50 overs.
In response, Bangladesh faltered early as Afghanistan's opening bowlers dismissed both their openers, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto, within the first six overs. Farooqi and Mujeeb took three wickets each, supported by Rashid Khan with two wickets. Bangladesh's top scorer was Mushfiqur Rahim with 69 runs. With this victory, Afghanistan clinched the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, winning 2-0 with one game remaining. This historic win will surely boost Afghanistan's confidence.
Mastering the Zones: Gurbaz's Strategic Scoring Brilliance
Gurbaz Wagon Wheel Analysis
Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed a match-winning century and assisted Afghanistan to beat Bangladesh effortlessly. He managed to tackle every Bangladesh’s bowlers with ease and scored 145 runs with an excellent strike rate of 116. Gurbaz blasted 145 runs, whereas Ibrahim Zadran glided to 100 as they added a record opening partnership of 256 runs. Zadran played the supporting role, and at the same time, he planned his shots wisely.
If we look at the wagonwheel of Gurbaz, we can clearly understand, he targeted the long-on (27 runs) and the long-off (30 runs) region, scoring most of his runs in that area. He scored 24 runs through deep mid-wicket area, and 18 runs between deep square-leg position, whereas 5 and 12 runs between third man and fine-leg region.
Gurbaz scored 20 runs via deep-point and only 9 runs between cover and deep extra-cover. Overall, he covered most of the ground and hit through every part and made it tough for the Bangladeshi bowlers. Gurbaz and Zadran outraged from the word go, hitting eight boundaries in the first powerplay.
During the chase, Afghanistan got off to a great start, as their opening bowlers dismissed both the Bangladesh’s openers, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto under the first six overs. Bangladesh batsmen surrendered against Farooqi and Mujeeb, they both grabbed 3 wickets each, together with Rashid Khan also picked 2 wickets and helped Afghanistan to win conveniently.
Mushfiqur Rahim was the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 69 runs, including six fours. For the first time in history, Afghanistan have won an ODI series against Bangladesh and their confidence level will be soaring right now. Afghanistan sealed the series 2-0 with a game in hand.
Conclusion
The rise of Afghanistan cricket has been nothing short of a remarkable journey. From achieving Full Member status to making their mark on the international stage, Afghanistan has demonstrated tremendous growth. Afghanistan's cricketing infrastructure has improved, contributing to their success. The nation's unwavering support and the team's achievements have further fueled the sport's popularity, making cricket a source of inspiration for aspiring young cricketers in Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan continues to make strides, the future looks bright for their cricketing journey. Further, Afghanistan team have played amazing cricket in the series and they will be eyeing on to finish strongly and win the series without losing a match.
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