Azmatullah Omarzai’s all‑round heroics lift Afghanistan to five‑wicket ODI win over Bangladesh
Posted by Tristan Kilday
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When Azmatullah Omarzai, all‑rounder for Afghanistan, delivered a decisive blend of runs and wickets, Afghanistan surged to a five‑wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI of their 2025 UAE tour.
Background: From T20I heartbreak to ODI hope
The match on 8 October 2025 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium came on the heels of a bruising 3‑0 whitewash in the preceding T20I series, where Bangladesh had dominated. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed had been confident, citing the clean‑sweep as proof of form.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), led by Chairman Naseeb Khan, emphasized the longer format as a chance to re‑assert their credentials. The first ODI was officially labelled Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – 1st ODISharjah, a neutral venue they've used since security concerns forced home matches abroad.
Match Summary: A run‑chase thriller
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. Their top order stumbled early, but a resilient partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60 off 87) and Tawhid Hridoy (56 off 85) propelled Bangladesh to 221/10 in 48.5 overs. Miraz, the seasoned all‑rounder, struck the ball hard, while Hridoy’s measured aggression kept the required run‑rate honest.
In response, Rahmanullah Gurbaz opened with a tidy 50 off 76 balls, laying a platform for the chase. Rahmat Shah added another half‑century (50 off 70), anchoring the middle order. The turning point arrived when Omarzai, already set at 27, struck a boundary that nudged the total beyond the 200‑run mark.
Bangladesh’s death overs crumbled under pressure. Rashid Khan ripped through the lower order, finishing with figures of 3/38, including a “dreaded googly” that snared the seventh wicket at 195/7. Omarzai capped the effort with a final spell of 3/40, sealing the win with 17 balls to spare at 226/5.
Key Performances: Numbers that mattered
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 27 runs, 3/40; named Player of the Match.
- Rashid Khan – 3/38, 1 catch; pivotal in restricting Bangladesh’s chase.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 50 (76 balls), 4 fours, 1 six.
- Rahmat Shah – 50 (70 balls), 5 fours.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 60 (87 balls), 1 wicket.
- Tawhid Hridoy – 56 (85 balls), 0 wickets.
Collectively, Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered 17 wickets for 212 runs in the series so far, an economy that underscored their dominance in this format.
Reactions: Voices from the dugout and the stands
Afghanistan’s head coach, Gulbadin Naib, praised the team’s temperament: “We turned a 3‑0 T20 loss into a statement win in the 50‑over game. Omarzai’s all‑round effort shows the depth we have now.”
Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, admitted the side was caught off guard: “Our batting collapsed a bit too early. Rashid’s spell was clinical, and we need to regroup for the next match.”
Social media lit up with #AFGvBAN2025 trending within minutes. The ACB’s YouTube live stream logged over 310,000 views, while fan‑generated highlight reels on the Sports Central platform amassed 311,000+ plays, reflecting the growing global appetite for Afghan cricket.
Looking Ahead: What the win means for the series
The victory shifts momentum dramatically. With the series tied 0‑0 after the first ODI, both camps now face a crucial second encounter scheduled for 12 October at the same venue. Analysts suggest Afghanistan’s balanced attack could force Bangladesh into a low‑scoring chase again, while Bangladesh will likely lean on their superior top‑order firepower.
Beyond the immediate series, the win bolsters Afghanistan’s ICC ranking hopes, potentially nudging them into the top‑ten of ODI teams—an achievement that would secure more bilateral series against full‑member nations. For a side still playing ‘home’ games abroad, each victory carries political and emotional weight back in Kabul.
Key Facts
- Date: 8 October 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates
- Result: Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets (226/5 chase 221)
- Man of the Match: Azmatullah Omarzai (27 runs, 3/40)
- Broadcast: Live on FanCode app, ACB YouTube channel
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Afghanistan bounce back after the 3‑0 T20I loss?
The team adapted their strategy for the longer format, focusing on building partnerships and exploiting their spin strength. Omarzai’s all‑round display and Rashid Khan’s tight spell highlighted a balanced lineup that could sustain pressure over 50 overs, unlike the more aggressive T20 approach.
What impact does this win have on Afghanistan’s ICC ODI ranking?
A five‑wicket win against a higher‑ranked Bangladesh side adds valuable points. If Afghanistan repeats the performance in the second ODI, they could climb into the top‑ten, opening doors to more high‑profile series and improving their World Cup qualification prospects.
Who were the standout Bangladeshi players despite the loss?
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 60 runs and Tawhid Hridoy’s 56 were the backbone of Bangladesh’s innings. Both displayed composure under pressure, and Miraz also contributed a wicket, showing why they remain key figures in Bangladesh’s test and limited‑overs squads.
When and where is the second ODI scheduled?
The follow‑up match is set for 12 October 2025 at the same venue, Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams will have a four‑day recovery period, which should allow Afghanistan to fine‑tune their bowling attack.
How can fans watch the upcoming games?
Live streaming will continue on the FanCode platform and the ACB’s official YouTube channel. Re‑broadcasts are expected on regional sports networks in South Asia and the Middle East, with highlights posted across social media channels.