Afghanistan had already sealed the series by winning the first two one-day internationals, but Bangladesh are now aiming to avoid a whitewash in the third match. In a commanding innings, Afghanistan posted 293 for nine, with Ibrahim Zadran scoring a brilliant 95 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz providing a strong start. Mohammad Nabi added valuable runs towards the end to help the team reach a challenging total. For Bangladesh, Saif Hassan was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for just six runs.
Gurbaz and Zadran laid the foundation with a rapid 50-run partnership in seven overs, taking Afghanistan to 66 without loss in the first ten overs. Bangladesh struck back in the 16th over when Tanvir Islam trapped Gurbaz LBW for 42 off 44 balls. Afghanistan reviewed the decision, but replays confirmed the ball had struck the pad in line with the stumps, sending Gurbaz back to the pavilion.
Saif Hassan continued his excellent spell by removing Sediqullah Atal for 29 off 47 balls, breaking the 74-run second-wicket partnership with Zadran. He then dismissed Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for just two runs, with Shahidi offering a simple catch to Tahid Hridoy at square leg. In the same over, Saif conceded no runs to Atal, and in his following over, he gave away just one run, keeping the Afghan batsmen under constant pressure.
Bangladesh now face a target of 294 to prevent a series whitewash, with Zadran and Nabi’s contributions having set a stern challenge.
