Clinical Afghanistan steamroll Bangladesh in 3rd ODI to register a clean sweep

Abu Dhabi, October 6, 2025 — Afghanistan’s rapid ascent in world cricket reached another milestone on Monday night as they completed a stunning 3–0 ODI series whitewash over Bangladesh at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

The hosts produced a near-perfect performance in the final ODI, crushing Bangladesh by 200 runs, their biggest-ever victory margin against a Full-Member nation. The result not only sealed the clean sweep but also reinforced Afghanistan’s growing reputation as one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the 50-over format.

From the calm dominance of Ibrahim Zadran with the bat to the fiery brilliance of Bilal Sami and Rashid Khan with the ball, the third ODI was a masterclass in team execution, strategy, and confidence.

A New Dawn of Consistency for Afghanistan

For years, Afghanistan have been known for their flair — flashes of brilliance, unpredictable magic, and moments of individual genius. But this series against Bangladesh showcased something far more impressive: maturity and consistency.

Afghanistan didn’t just win; they dominated across all departments.

• The first ODI: a controlled chase to win by 5 wickets.

• The second: a well-rounded 81-run victory built on tight bowling.

• And finally, the third ODI: a 200-run demolition that left Bangladesh completely shell-shocked.

Each game had different heroes, but the underlying theme remained the same — collective excellence. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi summed it up perfectly post-match:

“This was not just about winning 3–0. It was about showing the world that Afghanistan can dominate top teams in every condition. Every player played their role perfectly.”

Ibrahim Zadran Anchors, Mohammad Nabi Ignites

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s start was measured and disciplined. Ibrahim Zadran, who has quietly become one of Afghanistan’s most reliable top-order anchors, once again rose to the occasion.

He crafted a superb 95 off 111 balls, blending classic ODI patience with timely aggression. His partnerships were crucial:

• 61 runs with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (42 off 56) for the opening stand, providing stability,

• followed by another 57-run stand with Sediqullah Atal (29 off 36) that laid the foundation for a big total.

Zadran’s innings was marked by precise shot selection, a calm presence, and intelligent rotation of strike — hallmarks of a maturing top-order batter who knows when to accelerate. He was unfortunate to miss out on a century, falling just five runs short while trying to up the scoring rate.

But when Zadran departed at 228/6, Afghanistan needed late impetus — and Mohammad Nabi delivered in vintage style.

Nabi’s Late Assault Sets the Stadium Ablaze

Cometh the hour, cometh Mohammad Nabi.

The veteran all-rounder, playing his 153rd ODI, turned back the clock with a stunning display of power-hitting. Walking in at a time when Afghanistan were struggling to maintain momentum, Nabi unleashed a 62-run blitz off just 37 deliveries, striking four boundaries and five sixes.

Every strike was a statement — the kind of fearless batting that has made him one of Afghanistan’s most beloved players.

His towering sixes off Tanvir Islam and Hasan Mahmud electrified the crowd in Abu Dhabi. With Nabi’s cameo, Afghanistan surged from a modest 220/6 to a commanding 293/9 by the end of their innings.

Bangladesh bowlers, who had done reasonably well in patches, lost control in the death overs.

• Saif Hassan surprisingly emerged as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 6 in four overs — an unexpected performance from the part-timer.

• Hasan Mahmud (2/58) and Tanvir Islam (2/54) provided support, but beyond that, Bangladesh’s attack lacked bite and discipline.

What hurt them most was the inability to contain partnerships — something Afghanistan exploited brilliantly throughout the series.

Bangladesh’s Chase: From Hope to Havoc

Chasing 294 under the Abu Dhabi lights, Bangladesh needed a steady start. What they got instead was chaos.

From the very first over, Afghanistan’s bowlers attacked relentlessly. Young quick Bilal Sami, who has been one of the standout discoveries for Afghanistan in recent months, produced a spell that will be remembered for years.

He struck early to remove opener Litton Das for a duck and then ran through the middle order with raw pace and discipline. Bangladesh simply had no answers.

The visitors were reeling at 43/5 within 12 overs.
Only Saif Hassan, who had earlier impressed with the ball, offered resistance with a valiant 43 off 54 balls. His effort included two fours and three sixes, but once he fell to Rashid Khan, the writing was on the wall.

No other batter reached double digits apart from Hasan Mahmud (9). Bangladesh’s innings folded for a paltry 93 in 27.1 overs, succumbing to a massive 200-run defeat — their heaviest ODI loss against Afghanistan.

Bilal Sami and Rashid Khan: A Deadly Duo

If Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation, Bilal Sami finished the job.

The young right-arm pacer, just 22, bowled with incredible rhythm and aggression, returning match-winning figures of 5 for 33 in 7.1 overs. His spell dismantled Bangladesh’s top and middle order with a mix of seam movement and hostile short balls.

Sami’s ability to extract life from the Abu Dhabi surface and maintain consistent line and length was remarkable. It wasn’t raw pace alone — it was precision, planning, and confidence.

At the other end, Rashid Khan was predictably lethal. The Afghan talisman spun webs around the lower order, picking up 3 for 12 in just six overs. His control and variation ensured Bangladesh never got a sniff of recovery.

Azmatullah Omarzai, who provided an early breakthrough by removing Tanzid Hasan, chipped in with 1/20, while Nabi’s off-spin maintained pressure in the middle overs.

Together, they formed a bowling attack that was relentless, clinical, and united — a far cry from the days when Afghanistan relied solely on Rashid Khan to win matches.

Awards and Milestones: Zadran and Sami Shine Bright

There was little doubt when the post-match presentations began.

• Player of the Match: Bilal Sami, for his five-wicket haul that broke the back of Bangladesh’s chase.

• Player of the Series: Ibrahim Zadran, for his consistent performances across all three games — including a fifty in the first ODI and a match-defining 95 in the finale.

Zadran’s series tally of 232 runs at an average of 77.33 underscored his evolution as one of Afghanistan’s most complete ODI batters.

Statistical Highlights of the Series

• Afghanistan’s 200-run win is their biggest ODI victory margin against a Full-Member nation.

• Bangladesh’s total of 93 is their lowest against Afghanistan in ODIs.

• Bilal Sami’s 5/33 is the best bowling figure by an Afghan pacer against Bangladesh.

• Mohammad Nabi surpassed 3,000 ODI runs during his knock, becoming the third Afghan to achieve the feat after Shahidi and Zadran.

• Afghanistan’s 293/9 was the highest team total of the series.

These numbers are more than just records — they represent the balance, depth, and professionalism now defining Afghan cricket.

Bangladesh’s Struggles: Questions to Answer

For Bangladesh, the series was nothing short of disastrous. Their batting unit looked fragile, their middle order inconsistent, and their bowling attack lacked penetration in crucial phases.

The absence of senior figures like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal showed glaringly, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struggled to inspire the team both tactically and mentally.

Their over-reliance on individual sparks, coupled with poor shot selection and questionable field placements, made them look a shadow of the team that once challenged world cricket’s best.

Cricket experts have raised concerns about Bangladesh’s declining ODI form in recent months. Since the 2023 World Cup, they have managed just two series wins out of seven, a worrying sign ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s Rise: The Road Ahead

For Afghanistan, however, this 3–0 sweep is more than just a statistical victory — it’s a statement.

This was a team that once fought for recognition; today, they are commanding respect.
Their victories no longer depend on individual brilliance from Rashid or Nabi — they are now a complete, multi-dimensional side capable of winning anywhere, against anyone.

The most encouraging signs include:

• Depth in bowling: Bilal Sami’s emergence as a new-ball weapon.

• Maturity in batting: Ibrahim Zadran’s consistency and temperament.

• Leadership clarity: Hashmatullah Shahidi’s calm, tactical captaincy.

• All-round balance: Nabi, Omarzai, and Rashid providing flexibility across formats.

Their next target? The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Afghanistan are now viewed as genuine semifinal contenders.

Voices from the Camp

Bilal Sami, visibly emotional after receiving his Player of the Match award, said:

“It’s a dream to take five wickets for my country. I just wanted to bowl my heart out. The seniors like Rashid and Nabi always guide me — they make bowling in pressure situations easier.”

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi credited the team’s collective mindset:

“Everyone contributed. Whether it was the top order, middle order, or bowlers — every player understood their role. That’s what champions do.”

Even Bangladesh’s Roston Chase, while disappointed, acknowledged Afghanistan’s excellence:

“They played fearless cricket and outperformed us in every department. We’ll go back and work harder.”

Afghanistan’s Defining Moment

This series wasn’t just a whitewash — it was a warning to the cricketing world. Afghanistan are no longer the surprise package; they’re now a full-fledged force.

Their ability to mix youthful exuberance with experienced calmness is redefining their cricketing identity. Beating Bangladesh so comprehensively, and doing it through teamwork rather than individual brilliance, marks a transformative phase in their cricketing journey.

As the Sheikh Zayed Stadium lights dimmed, the Afghan players celebrated with quiet pride — no over-the-top celebrations, just satisfaction and unity. The message was clear: this is only the beginning.

With players like Ibrahim Zadran, Bilal Sami, and Azmatullah Omarzai emerging alongside legends like Rashid Khan and Nabi, Afghanistan’s golden generation has truly arrived — and world cricket had better take notice.

Final Score Summary:
Afghanistan 293/9 (50 overs) — Ibrahim Zadran 95, Mohammad Nabi 62, Saif Hassan 3/6
Bangladesh 93 all out (27.1 overs) — Saif Hassan 43, Bilal Sami 5/33, Rashid Khan 3/12

Result: Afghanistan won by 200 runs
Series Result: Afghanistan won the 3-match series 3–0
Player of the Match: Bilal Sami (AFG)
Player of the Series: Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

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