When Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI Series 2024United Arab Emirates rolled into town last week, cricket fans got a taste of fierce, neutral‑ground rivalry. The three‑match set, played from 6 to 11 November, ended with Afghanistan clinching a 2‑1 victory – a result that could reshape preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
How the series unfolded, match by match
Game 1, a 14:00 day‑night fixture on 6 November, saw Hashmatullah Shahidi, captain of Afghanistan, win the toss and elect to field. Afghanistan posted 235 for 9 in 49.4 overs; Bangladesh folded for 143 in 34.3 overs. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar lit up the scoreboard with three wickets, earning Player of the Match honours.
The second encounter on 9 November turned the tables. Bangladesh, bolstered by a steady opening stand, reached 252/7. Afghanistan’s chase sputtered at 184 all out in 43.3 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings with a gritty fifty and was named Player of the Match.
Decider day – 11 November – arrived with a dramatic chase. Bangladesh set 244/8; Afghanistan, led by a calculated assault from Azmatullah Omarzai, steadied the ship, eventually reaching 246/5 in 48.2 overs. Omarzai’s all‑round display secured him the match award.
Squad twists and injury woes
Bangladesh entered the series with a mix of veterans and fresh faces. Uncapped pacer Nahid Rana and wicket‑keeper Jaker Ali earned call‑ups, while Zakir Hasan and Nasum Ahmed returned after a year‑long hiatus.
But luck ran thin. After the first ODI, opener Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a fractured finger and was ruled out for the rest of the tour. Then, on the morning of the third match, captain Shanto pulled a groin muscle, handing the leadership baton to Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The sudden changes forced Bangladesh to reshuffle the batting order and rely on lower‑order heroics.
Afghanistan’s roster stayed relatively stable. Apart from the usual suspects – Shahidi, all‑rounder Mohammad Nabi, and fast bowler Ghazanfar – the side also kept an eye on emerging talent, but injuries were minimal.
Why this series mattered
The rivalry between the two nations has evolved dramatically. Out of 19 ODIs before this encounter, Afghanistan had won just three. The 2‑1 win not only evens the ledger but signals Afghanistan’s growing competence in the 50‑over format. A recent triumph over South Africa earlier this year added confidence, and the team now aims to translate that form into the Champions Trophy.
For Bangladesh, the series was a harsh reality check. Their bowling unit, once feared for lethal swing, struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined chase. Yet, the emergence of players like Mustafizur Rahman, who matched Ghazanfar’s eight wickets, shows promise.
Preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy
Both boards – Afghanistan Cricket Board in Kabul and Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka – view the UAE stint as a final dress rehearsal. The conditions in Pakistan for the February tournament will be hotter and slower, so the night‑time pearls of wisdom gathered here – especially handling dew and swing under lights – are invaluable.
According to a senior analyst at the International Cricket Council, “Teams that adapt quickly to neutral‑ground pressure tend to perform better in knockout stages.” The statement rings true; Afghanistan’s composure in a foreign venue may be the edge they need.
Key facts at a glance
- Series dates: 6‑11 November 2024
- Venue: United Arab Emirates (day‑night matches)
- Result: Afghanistan 2‑1 series win
- Player of the Series: Mohammad Nabi (135 runs)
- Top wicket‑takers: Ghazanfar (Afghanistan) & Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 8 each
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Afghanistan’s series win affect its Champions Trophy prospects?
The victory boosts Afghanistan’s confidence on neutral soil and proves its batting depth. Analysts expect the momentum to carry into Pakistan, where adapting to night conditions will be crucial.
Which Bangladeshi players stood out despite the injuries?
Mustafizur Rahman’s eight wickets and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 123 runs before his groin injury were highlights. Their performances suggest they’ll remain pivotal for the upcoming tournament.
Why was the series moved to the UAE?
Originally slated for July in India, the tour faced severe weather forecasts and extreme heat. The Afghanistan and Bangladesh boards agreed on a November window in the UAE, where stadiums are equipped for day‑night games.
What were the major tactical shifts during the series?
Afghanistan emphasized a steady chase, rotating the strike and using slower balls in the death overs. Bangladesh attempted aggressive power‑play batting but fell short when key wickets fell early.
Who will captain Bangladesh in the next tournament?
With Shanto sidelined, Mehidy Hasan Miraz took over for the final ODI. The board is expected to retain Miraz as captain for the Champions Trophy, given his leadership experience.
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