Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran tons guide Afghanistan to 331

After being handed the opportunity to bat in the second ODI, Afghanistan controlled the series of ODIs with an outstanding showing at the plate. They currently rank third in ODI scoring with an astounding 331/9 total. Afghanistan’s goal of 332 is difficult, but on a very good pitch, the hosts can accomplish it. Bangladesh put a lot of effort into the final few overs to limit Afghanistan’s target to just 332 runs. Afghanistan put up their highest-ever opening stand of 256 runs thanks to the opening combination of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (145 off 125) and Ibrahim Zadran (100 off 119), who both scored contrasting hundreds.

Thanks to a potent powerplay, Afghanistan comfortably scored 67 runs in the game’s first 10 overs. To get his 48-ball fifty, Rahmanullah Gurbaz later smacked Shakib Al Hasan for a six over deep square leg. Following that, both hitters began to score more frequently. He needed 100 balls to reach his third ODI century as Bangladesh battled to break the opening stand.

 

Despite the huge partnership halting, Gurbaz achieved his highest ODI total before Shakib dismissed him with a flat dart. However, this gave Bangladesh the motivation they needed to stage a stunning comeback. Bangladeshi bowlers continued to claim wickets, resulting in the scoring of only 75 runs in the final 14 overs. Rahmat Shah was Ebadot Hossain’s next victim after Gurbaz.

Mehidy Hasan bowled Hashmatullah Shahidi in the subsequent over as wickets kept falling and Afghanistan couldn’t recover, just as expected.With 118 balls, Zadran has just reached his fourth ODI century.

 

When Mustafzur Rahman reached his objective, he gathered Azmatullah Omarzai and pursued Zadran. Mohammad Nabi’s cameo of 25* off 15 helped Afghanistan beyond 330, but it’s not certain whether it would be sufficient.

 

Against Bangladesh, Afghanistan scored 331/9 runs in 50 overs (Gurbaz 145, Zadran 100; Shakib 2-50).