Bangladesh posted a modest total of 221 all out in 48.5 overs after opting to bat first in the opening match of the series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Despite a promising middle-order stand led by Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, regular wickets during the closing stages denied the visitors a more competitive score.
The innings began on shaky ground, with both openers falling cheaply. Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10, while Najmul Hossain Shanto managed just 2, both wickets falling within the first six overs.
Saif Hassan attempted to stabilise the innings, contributing a steady 26 off 37 deliveries, which included five boundaries, before being removed by Nangeyalia Kharote. At 53 for 3, the pressure mounted on Bangladesh’s middle order.
A composed partnership between Hridoy and Miraz offered a much-needed recovery. The pair added 101 runs for the fourth wicket, with Hridoy scoring 56 off 85 balls and Miraz anchoring the innings with 60 from 87. Hridoy rotated the strike effectively, while Miraz mixed caution with aggression, including a six off Rashid Khan, to guide Bangladesh to 154 for 3.
However, Hridoy’s run-out in the 36th over triggered a collapse. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, tightened their grip on the match. Rashid removed Miraz, Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan to finish with figures of 3 for 38, as Bangladesh lost their final seven wickets for just 67 runs.
There was some brief late resistance, with Tanvir Islam hitting 11 off 8 balls and Taskin Ahmed contributing 4 from a single delivery. Nonetheless, the innings came to a close in the penultimate over, leaving Bangladesh short of a commanding total.
