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Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, AFG and BAN in UAE, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full score card

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3rd ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, 11 Nov, 2024

Bangladesh

BAN

244/8

(50.0) ov

Afghanistan

AFG

246/5

(48.2) ov

Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets

Player Of The Match

Azmatullah Omarzai,
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Afghanistan
Bangladesh

Afghanistan • 246/5 (48.2 overs)

R Gurbaz 101 (120)

A Omarzai 70 (77)

N Rana 2/40 (10)

M Rahman 2/50 (9)

Bangladesh • 244/8 (50.0 overs)

Mahmudullah 98 (98)

M Hasan 66 (119)

A Omarzai 4/37 (7)

M Nabi 1/37 (10)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this game and the series as well. Afghanistan have defeated Bangladesh 2-1 maintaining their excellent form in ODIs. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper steps up to receive the trophy. He then joins his teammates to lift it together and pose for some photographs. It is another feather in the cap of this Afghanistan team who are making big strides in world cricket. Next up for the Afghans is a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The first game will be played on 9th December at 11 am GMT. For Bangladesh, they go to the Caribbean to take on West Indies in a two-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 22nd November at 2 pm GMT. But as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to every game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the victorious skipper of Afghanistan says that he is very happy with the performance and proud of his team. Adds that they were a bit disappointed losing the toss as chasing can be difficult on this wicket. Mentions that Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a match-winner and whenever he does well, the team wins. He hopes that he continues this form into the next series and in the Champions Trophy as well. Says that if you see their games, in each match, a new guy is stepping up for them which is a great sign. Ends by saying that they have Zimbabwe next and they want to win that and take the momentum into the Champions Trophy.

Mehidy Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh says that It was a tough job but the boys did well. Adds that Mahmudullah was excellent with the bat and he is disappointed that they could not win the game. Adds that he chose to bat first because it was tough to chase in the first two games where the ball was gripping. Mentions that they did not bowl well in the middle overs and were not able to pick up wickets or else things could have been different. Concludes that he has played in Sharjah after a very long time and it is tough for everyone to adapt to the situation of the ground and pitch.

Mohammad Nabi is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his 129 runs and 2 wickets across the three games. He says that he had in his mind since the last ODI World Cup about retirement but then they qualified for the Champions Trophy and he wants to play in that. Adds that it is small contributions from him and he always talks with the youngsters. Mentions that he chats with AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote about how to bowl in different situations. Says that in the last series, he did not play well, so he worked hard for this one. Ends by saying that he told Azmatullah Omarzai to play straight and wait for the bad balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his incredible all-round performance. He says that he wants to thank his captain and he was positive in batting and that's why was able to apply himself better in the middle. Adds that having Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave him a lot of confidence and it was a great partnership. Mentions that while bowling he used the change of pace to fox up the batters of Bangladesh, and it was the first time for him bowling at death. Concludes that it is his first Man of the Match award and he is very happy.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh set a strong total on the board. The openers got off to a solid start, but a sudden collapse saw them slip from 53/0 to 72/4. However, Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah joined forces to stabilize the innings, putting together a record 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Mehidy played a steady knock of 66, while Mahmudullah impressed with a superb 98, narrowly missing his century. Azmatullah Omarzai stood out among the Afghan bowlers, claiming four wickets, with Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan adding one each to the tally.

On the flip side, Bangladesh had a strong start with Nahid Rana's electrifying new-ball spell, delivering the first breakthrough with his raw pace. Fizz followed suit, striking twice and piling pressure back on the Afghans. But after that promising start, they let Afghanistan find their footing again, missing key chances - a dropped catch and a missed stumping on Gurbaz that proved costly as he went on to score a hundred. Mehidy Hasan finally dismissed Gurbaz, and from there, Bangladesh tightened up, making every run hard-earned for the batters. Rana added another to his tally capping off a good debut. However, with the batters set and the ball getting a bit wet, they could not contain the runs and despite their fight, they ended up on the losing side.

However, as the saying goes 'When the going gets tough, the tough gets going'. That is exactly what happened in this game. Mohammad Nabi with all his experience came to the crease and brought a sense of calmness. He took his time initially but picked his moments perfectly to accelerate and put the pressure back on Bangladesh. He played a quick-fire knock of 34 off 27 while it was Azmatullah Omarzai who was the hero with the ball earlier in the game, became the hero with the bat as well fittingly hitting the winning runs as well staying unbeaten on 70 runs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz reached a half-century, and his previous record against Bangladesh - where he converted fifties into hundreds- sparked confidence within the team. Azmatullah Omarzai timed his acceleration perfectly, ensuring they stayed on top of the required rate with regular boundaries. Gurbaz powered on to a fantastic century but was soon dismissed ending the 100-run stand, offering Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. The pressure then fell squarely on Omarzai, who also reached his fifty, but as the game progressed, scoring became increasingly difficult.

Afghanistan started off well, scoring at a brisk pace, though the openers faced a real test against Nahid Rana's raw pace. Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to weather the storm, but Atal couldn't hold on and was dismissed within the Powerplay. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled to contribute much and soon followed him back to the pavilion. With batting conditions steadily toughening in the second innings, Afghanistan needed a strong anchor. Gurbaz finally found his form in this series, and with crucial support from Azmatullah Omarzai at the other end, they navigated the middle overs confidently.

AFGHANISTAN CLINCH A MEMORABLE SERIES WIN! After taking down Ireland and South Africa, the Afghans have defeated Bangladesh as well to register their third consecutive ODI series victory. Sharjah is a fortress for them and this win shows their resilience and determination and that they are a rising force in world cricket, especially in limited-overs cricket. Mohammad Nabi has announced that he will be retiring from ODIs after the Champions Trophy 2025, and if this is his last game at Sharjah, it surely will be one to remember for a long, long time.

48.26

SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai finishes it off in style! On middle. Length. He clears his front leg away and lofts it over mid on. Goes all the way. They take the game and the series. Omarzai punches the air in delight and shares a hug with Mohammad Nabi. It is all smiles in the dugout, and the fans are absolutely buzzing too. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

48.11

On middle. Nabi swings. He gets an inside edge onto the off side. A run taken.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 239/5

A Omarzai64 (76)

M Nabi33 (26)

M Rahman9-0-50-2

47.60

Badk of a length. Defended.

47.51

Around off. This is pushed to cover. A biggie needed.

47.44

FOUR MORE! Just the 7 needed! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg. In the gap and it races away. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

47.34

FOUR! A bit streaky but Afghanistan won't mind one bit! Mustafizur Rahman goes a bit fuller and outside off, Mohammad Nabi slashes at it but gets an outside edge too. The ball goes to the right of third man, but this time he has no chance of stopping that from going to the boundary.

47.21

Hard length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai throws his bat at it but gets an outside edge towards third man. The fielder does well to dive to his left to stop it. They cross.

47.10

A slower bouncer, on off, angling away, Azmatullah Omarzai sways away from it.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 229/5

M Nabi24 (23)

A Omarzai63 (73)

N Rana10-1-40-2

46.60

Good length and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nabi steps across to work it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

46.54

FOUR! The President is taking this game away from Bangladesh! Nahid Rana bowls this full and just outside off, Mohammad Nabi gets the chance to free his arms and creams it through covers for another boundary. Afghanistan getting closer and closer!

46.41

Pitched up and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to extra covers for a quick one.

46.31

Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Nabi slices it through point for a run.

46.20

Gets the yorker right this time, on middle, Mohammad Nabi digs it to mid-wicket.

46.14

FOUR! That's a crucial boundary for Afghanistan! Nahid Rana looks for the yorker but serves this full and in the slot on middle. Mohammad Nabi gets right underneath it and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. Bringing his experience into play here. Afghanistan needs 22 runs in 23 balls now!

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 219/5

M Nabi15 (18)

A Omarzai62 (72)

M Rahman8-0-40-2

45.61

Overpitched, on middle, Mohammad Nabi knocks it down the pitch where Fizz goes down and gets a hand to it but goes behind him. Nabi wants the run and Azmatullah Omarzai responds quickly to get to the other end. 7 runs off the over and Afghanistan needs 26 runs in 24 balls now!

45.52

Uppish but safe! Good length and on middle, Mohammad Nabi looks to flick it away but gets a leading edge that flies over point. Nabi turns around for the second run and makes it with the fielder's throw not being a good one.

45.41

Full once more and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it wide of long off for one. This is sensible batting from Afghanistan!

45.31

Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Nabi drills it down to long off for another run.

Commentary

We are back for the all-important chase in this decider! The players are already out in the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal are the two openers for Afghanistan. Shoriful Islam to start te proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

So, 245 is what Afghanistan needs to win to clinch this 3 ODI series. In modern-day cricket, this is very much a gettable total. But the way the batters have struggled while chasing in this series at Sharjah, it hangs well in the balance and it is anyone's game to win from here. Given how Afghanistan's top order has struggled, it will be a huge responsibility on the shoulders of someone like Rahmanullah Gurbaz who is yet to produce a match-winning knock in this series up top. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be aiming to dominate the first Powerplay and set the tone with the ball. Stay tuned, as a riveting run chase is up next very shortly.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is up for a short interview. He says that he is very happy with the batting effort. Adds that the way they batted in the first 10 overs was great but then lost wickets in clusters. Mentions that Miraz and Mahmudullah did a commendable job with that record-breaking partnership. Says that Miraz showed calmness when they lost all the wickets and he is a bit disappointed that Mahmudullah couldn't score the ton. Tells that there is a bit of seam movement under lights and he thinks they have enough runs on the board. Ends by saying that he is feeling a bit uncomfortable with the groin injury but should be fine.

With wickets in hand, the experienced duo of Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan seized the initiative in the final overs. They went on the offensive, upping the ante and accelerating the run rate. The fifth-wicket stand of 145 runs between the two proved to be the cornerstone of Bangladesh's innings. In the final ten overs, Bangladesh shifted gears, notching up 90 runs while losing 4 wickets towards the backend. Mahmudullah led the charge, falling just shy of a century on 98 but powered Bangladesh to a formidable total. While the other Afghan bowlers struggled to make inroads, Azmatullah Omarzai stood out with a brilliant four-wicket haul, finishing with career-best figures giving away just 5 runs in the final over.

Nonetheless, the experienced Mahmudullah joined forces with his skipper Mehidy Hasan and the duo managed to weather the storm. They bossed up the 21-40 over phase, going unscathed and ensuring Bangladesh's innings did not completely unravel. Yes, Rashid Khan and the other spinners prevented regular boundaries but the two milked singles and doubles to keep the scorecard ticking along. Both of them paced their innings well, negotiating the barrage of spin with a touch of class.

Just when the openers looked settled, Azmatullah Omarzai was introduced into the attack and broke the shackles for Afghanistan. Just in a matter of time, both Bangladeshi openers were back into the hut and Bangladesh were reduced from a comfortable 53/0 to 58/3 in the span of just 13 deliveries and the dot balls added an extra bit of pressure on the incoming batters. On a mission to rebuild, skipper Mehidy Hasan and Towhid Hridoy tried to steer through the storm in the second Powerplay. But their progress was halted when Rashid Khan struck in his very first over. The lack of boundaries for an extended period of 50 balls, further compounded the pressure on the Bangladesh batters.

Bangladesh decided to have the first crack with the bat on a fresh surface. The ball initially came off well onto the bat. Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar were alert for the most part and struck boundaries on any loosener offered to them and added brisk 50 runs together. The Afghan bowlers struggled to find their rhythm initially, with Fazalhaq Farooqi in particular bowling some 'genuine friendlies' that the Bangladeshi batters were able to take advantage of. The Afghan fielders also let down their team, dropping a couple of chances early on, which allowed the Bangladesh openers to maintain their momentum.

Such an anti-climatic end for Mahmudullah after playing a gem of a knock for his nation. And more so, it was a blockbuster first half of the series decider, to say the least. Bangladesh finish at 244 on the board and would be the happier side of the two walking to the sheds. It was a fresh pitch but, the template has been the same, as the first inning score almost mirrors the scores from the first two ODIs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 244/8

Mahmudullah98 (98)

S Islam2 (2)

A Omarzai7-0-37-4

49.61W

OUT! RUN OUT! No, he can't! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches it up, on middle, Mahmudullah swipes it away towards deep square leg and turns around for the second run. Rahmat Shah is quick to collect the ball and throws it to the keeper's end where Rahmanullah Gurbaz does the rest. Mahmudullah is well short of his crease but has played a terrific knock of 98 runs off 98 balls. Bangladesh finishes on 244/8!

49.51

Back of a length and on off, Shoriful Islam dabs it to point for another quick one. The fielder misses again and Mahmudullah makes his ground. Bangladesh cannot reach 250 barring any extras, but can Mahmudullah score a hundred in Sharjah?

49.41

Back of a length and on middle, Mahmudullah heaves it away towards deep square leg for just one.

49.31

Fuller and on middle, Shoriful Islam steers it towards point and sets off for the run. The fielder missed his shy at the batter's end or else Mahmudullah was a goner.

Shoriful Islam is the new batter in at number 9.

49.2W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Azmatullah Omarzai has four now! More importantly, it is a dot ball and Mahmudullah remains off strike. He cleverly takes pace off, on a length and on middle. Nasum Ahmed makes room and swings wildly across the line but goes through it way early. He misses the ball completely as it rattles the stumps. Can Bangladesh reach the 250-run mark in the next 4 balls?

49.11lb

Hard length and on middle, angling in, Mahmudullah misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. The batters crosses for a leg bye.

Azmatullah Omarzai to bowl the final over of the first innings.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 239/6

Mahmudullah96 (95)

N Ahmed5 (5)

F Farooqi7-0-41-0

48.61lb

Mahmudullah retains the strike for the last over! Pitched up and on off, Mahmudullah goes for the reverse sweep but misses and the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken. There is also an appeal for LBW, but the umpire says no. Afghanistan takes the review though. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that impact is outside off. Afghanistan lose a review!

48.52

Full toss once more, on off, Mahmudullah moves across and whips it wide of deep square leg for a brace. He moves to 96 now!

48.41

Another full toss, on off, Nasum Ahmed bunts it down to mid off for a quick one. Hashmatullah Shahidi picks up but decides not to throw as there was no one backing up.

48.31

Good stop! A full toss around off, Mahmudullah carves it wide of point where Rashid Khan dives to his left to make a brilliant stop. He certainly saves three runs for his time as the batters get just one.

48.26

SIX! Up, up and away! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full and right in the slot, on middle. Mahmudullah throws the kitchen sink at it and whacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He moves into the 90s now!

48.11

Change of pace, full and around off, Nasum Ahmed drags it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (6-0-30-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 227/6

Mahmudullah87 (91)

N Ahmed3 (3)

A Omarzai6-0-33-3

47.60

Slower one, on a length and outside off, Mahmudullah moves across and goes through his slog early. Gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls to the keeper.

47.51

Pitched up and angling into leg, Nasum Ahmed clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

47.42

Touch fuller and around leg, Nasum Ahmed swipes it wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run. AM Ghazanfar is a bit lazy to get to the ball and Omarzai is not happy with the effort.

47.30

Short of a length and on middle, Nasum Ahmed blocks it on the pitch.

Nasum Ahmed is in at number 8.

47.2W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Afghanistan with a fine review now! A loud appeal for caught behind, but turned down! It is Afghanistan's turn to challenge the on-field decision now. Azmatullah Omarzai lands this on a hard length and just outside off, Jaker Ali tries to heave it across the line but misses. The ball goes close to the inside edge and there is a sound as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz completes the catch behind the stumps. UltraEdge comes up and shows the spike and the on-field call is overturned. Bangladesh six down now!

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
R Gurbaz

c Z Hasan b M Hasan

101 120 5 7 84.16
S Atal

b N Rana

14 18 0 0 77.77
R Shah

c & b M Rahman

8 22 0 0 36.36
H Shahidi

c S Sarkar b M Rahman

6 21 0 0 28.57
A Omarzai

not out

70 77 3 5 90.90
G Naib

c J Ali b N Rana

1 5 0 0 20
M Nabi

not out

34 27 5 0 125.92
Extras

(b 0,lb 3,w 9,nb 0,Penalty 0)

12
Total 48.2 (RR: 5.09)
246/5

Did not bat: R Khan, N Kharote, Ghazanfar, F Farooqi

Fall of wickets:

(S Atal, 7.4 ov) (R Shah, 14 ov) (H Shahidi, 20.1 ov) (R Gurbaz, 38.4 ov) (G Naib, 40.2 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Islam
8.2 0 61 0 7.32
N Rana
10 1 40 2 4.00
N Ahmed
10 2 24 0 2.40
M Rahman
9 0 50 2 5.55
M Hasan
10 0 56 1 5.60
S Sarkar
1 0 12 0 12.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
T Hasan

c H Shahidi b M Nabi

19 29 3 0 65.51
S Sarkar

b A Omarzai

24 23 3 0 104.34
Z Hasan

run out (N Kharote)

4 7 1 0 57.14
M Hasan

c G Naib b A Omarzai

66 119 4 0 55.46
T Hridoy

c G Naib b R Khan

7 14 0 0 50
Mahmudullah

run out (R Shah / R Gurbaz)

98 98 7 3 100
J Ali

c R Gurbaz b A Omarzai

1 2 0 0 50
N Ahmed

b A Omarzai

5 6 0 0 83.33
S Islam

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 5,w 13,nb 0,Penalty 0)

18
Total 50.0 (RR: 4.88)
244/8

Did not bat: N Rana, M Rahman

Fall of wickets:

(S Sarkar, 8.3 ov) (T Hasan, 9.1 ov) (Z Hasan, 10.2 ov) (T Hridoy, 14.4 ov) (M Hasan, 46 ov) (J Ali, 47.2 ov) (N Ahmed, 49.2 ov) (Mahmudullah, 50 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
F Farooqi
7 0 41 0 5.85
Ghazanfar
7 0 49 0 7.00
A Omarzai
7 0 37 4 5.28
M Nabi
10 2 37 1 3.70
N Kharote
9 0 35 0 3.88
R Khan
10 0 40 1 4.00
Afghanistan
Bangladesh

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this game and the series as well. Afghanistan have defeated Bangladesh 2-1 maintaining their excellent form in ODIs. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper steps up to receive the trophy. He then joins his teammates to lift it together and pose for some photographs. It is another feather in the cap of this Afghanistan team who are making big strides in world cricket. Next up for the Afghans is a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The first game will be played on 9th December at 11 am GMT. For Bangladesh, they go to the Caribbean to take on West Indies in a two-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 22nd November at 2 pm GMT. But as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to every game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the victorious skipper of Afghanistan says that he is very happy with the performance and proud of his team. Adds that they were a bit disappointed losing the toss as chasing can be difficult on this wicket. Mentions that Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a match-winner and whenever he does well, the team wins. He hopes that he continues this form into the next series and in the Champions Trophy as well. Says that if you see their games, in each match, a new guy is stepping up for them which is a great sign. Ends by saying that they have Zimbabwe next and they want to win that and take the momentum into the Champions Trophy.

Mehidy Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh says that It was a tough job but the boys did well. Adds that Mahmudullah was excellent with the bat and he is disappointed that they could not win the game. Adds that he chose to bat first because it was tough to chase in the first two games where the ball was gripping. Mentions that they did not bowl well in the middle overs and were not able to pick up wickets or else things could have been different. Concludes that he has played in Sharjah after a very long time and it is tough for everyone to adapt to the situation of the ground and pitch.

Mohammad Nabi is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his 129 runs and 2 wickets across the three games. He says that he had in his mind since the last ODI World Cup about retirement but then they qualified for the Champions Trophy and he wants to play in that. Adds that it is small contributions from him and he always talks with the youngsters. Mentions that he chats with AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote about how to bowl in different situations. Says that in the last series, he did not play well, so he worked hard for this one. Ends by saying that he told Azmatullah Omarzai to play straight and wait for the bad balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his incredible all-round performance. He says that he wants to thank his captain and he was positive in batting and that's why was able to apply himself better in the middle. Adds that having Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave him a lot of confidence and it was a great partnership. Mentions that while bowling he used the change of pace to fox up the batters of Bangladesh, and it was the first time for him bowling at death. Concludes that it is his first Man of the Match award and he is very happy.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh set a strong total on the board. The openers got off to a solid start, but a sudden collapse saw them slip from 53/0 to 72/4. However, Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah joined forces to stabilize the innings, putting together a record 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Mehidy played a steady knock of 66, while Mahmudullah impressed with a superb 98, narrowly missing his century. Azmatullah Omarzai stood out among the Afghan bowlers, claiming four wickets, with Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan adding one each to the tally.

On the flip side, Bangladesh had a strong start with Nahid Rana's electrifying new-ball spell, delivering the first breakthrough with his raw pace. Fizz followed suit, striking twice and piling pressure back on the Afghans. But after that promising start, they let Afghanistan find their footing again, missing key chances - a dropped catch and a missed stumping on Gurbaz that proved costly as he went on to score a hundred. Mehidy Hasan finally dismissed Gurbaz, and from there, Bangladesh tightened up, making every run hard-earned for the batters. Rana added another to his tally capping off a good debut. However, with the batters set and the ball getting a bit wet, they could not contain the runs and despite their fight, they ended up on the losing side.

However, as the saying goes 'When the going gets tough, the tough gets going'. That is exactly what happened in this game. Mohammad Nabi with all his experience came to the crease and brought a sense of calmness. He took his time initially but picked his moments perfectly to accelerate and put the pressure back on Bangladesh. He played a quick-fire knock of 34 off 27 while it was Azmatullah Omarzai who was the hero with the ball earlier in the game, became the hero with the bat as well fittingly hitting the winning runs as well staying unbeaten on 70 runs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz reached a half-century, and his previous record against Bangladesh - where he converted fifties into hundreds- sparked confidence within the team. Azmatullah Omarzai timed his acceleration perfectly, ensuring they stayed on top of the required rate with regular boundaries. Gurbaz powered on to a fantastic century but was soon dismissed ending the 100-run stand, offering Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. The pressure then fell squarely on Omarzai, who also reached his fifty, but as the game progressed, scoring became increasingly difficult.

Afghanistan started off well, scoring at a brisk pace, though the openers faced a real test against Nahid Rana's raw pace. Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to weather the storm, but Atal couldn't hold on and was dismissed within the Powerplay. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled to contribute much and soon followed him back to the pavilion. With batting conditions steadily toughening in the second innings, Afghanistan needed a strong anchor. Gurbaz finally found his form in this series, and with crucial support from Azmatullah Omarzai at the other end, they navigated the middle overs confidently.

AFGHANISTAN CLINCH A MEMORABLE SERIES WIN! After taking down Ireland and South Africa, the Afghans have defeated Bangladesh as well to register their third consecutive ODI series victory. Sharjah is a fortress for them and this win shows their resilience and determination and that they are a rising force in world cricket, especially in limited-overs cricket. Mohammad Nabi has announced that he will be retiring from ODIs after the Champions Trophy 2025, and if this is his last game at Sharjah, it surely will be one to remember for a long, long time.

48.26

SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai finishes it off in style! On middle. Length. He clears his front leg away and lofts it over mid on. Goes all the way. They take the game and the series. Omarzai punches the air in delight and shares a hug with Mohammad Nabi. It is all smiles in the dugout, and the fans are absolutely buzzing too. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

48.11

On middle. Nabi swings. He gets an inside edge onto the off side. A run taken.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 239/5

A Omarzai64 (76)

M Nabi33 (26)

M Rahman9-0-50-2

47.60

Badk of a length. Defended.

47.51

Around off. This is pushed to cover. A biggie needed.

47.44

FOUR MORE! Just the 7 needed! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg. In the gap and it races away. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

47.34

FOUR! A bit streaky but Afghanistan won't mind one bit! Mustafizur Rahman goes a bit fuller and outside off, Mohammad Nabi slashes at it but gets an outside edge too. The ball goes to the right of third man, but this time he has no chance of stopping that from going to the boundary.

47.21

Hard length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai throws his bat at it but gets an outside edge towards third man. The fielder does well to dive to his left to stop it. They cross.

47.10

A slower bouncer, on off, angling away, Azmatullah Omarzai sways away from it.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 229/5

M Nabi24 (23)

A Omarzai63 (73)

N Rana10-1-40-2

46.60

Good length and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nabi steps across to work it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

46.54

FOUR! The President is taking this game away from Bangladesh! Nahid Rana bowls this full and just outside off, Mohammad Nabi gets the chance to free his arms and creams it through covers for another boundary. Afghanistan getting closer and closer!

46.41

Pitched up and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to extra covers for a quick one.

46.31

Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Nabi slices it through point for a run.

46.20

Gets the yorker right this time, on middle, Mohammad Nabi digs it to mid-wicket.

46.14

FOUR! That's a crucial boundary for Afghanistan! Nahid Rana looks for the yorker but serves this full and in the slot on middle. Mohammad Nabi gets right underneath it and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. Bringing his experience into play here. Afghanistan needs 22 runs in 23 balls now!

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 219/5

M Nabi15 (18)

A Omarzai62 (72)

M Rahman8-0-40-2

45.61

Overpitched, on middle, Mohammad Nabi knocks it down the pitch where Fizz goes down and gets a hand to it but goes behind him. Nabi wants the run and Azmatullah Omarzai responds quickly to get to the other end. 7 runs off the over and Afghanistan needs 26 runs in 24 balls now!

45.52

Uppish but safe! Good length and on middle, Mohammad Nabi looks to flick it away but gets a leading edge that flies over point. Nabi turns around for the second run and makes it with the fielder's throw not being a good one.

45.41

Full once more and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it wide of long off for one. This is sensible batting from Afghanistan!

45.31

Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Nabi drills it down to long off for another run.

45.21

Back a length and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through cover-point for a run.

45.11

Fuller and around off, Mohammad Nabi drives it through covers for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 212/5

A Omarzai60 (70)

M Nabi10 (14)

M Hasan10-0-56-1

44.60

Another dot to end! On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

44.50

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

44.46

SIX! Big hit! Important hit! On middle. The slog sweep is out. He lifts it and it sails over the fence.

44.30

Tossed up outside off. Defended.

44.21

This time takes one as this is worked through square leg.

44.10

Steps out. The length is shortened. There's a little bit of turn too. Nabi missed to get hit on the pads.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 205/5

M Nabi9 (12)

A Omarzai54 (66)

S Islam8-0-54-0

43.61

Takes one! 40 needed in 36. Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

43.50

Outside off. Nabi pushes at it but is beaten.

43.44

FOUR! Up and over! Welcome boundary! Released the pressure that was building! On off. This is lofted over mid off and it races away.

43.30

Around off. This is pushed to cover. Dots will build pressure.

43.21

Quick single! On middle. This is tucked on the leg side for one.

43.10

Omarzai not happy this time! Goes short and on middle. He looks to pull but misses. He wants a wide but not given.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 199/5

A Omarzai53 (64)

M Nabi4 (8)

N Rana9-1-30-2

42.61

This is outside off. It is played past point for one.

42.61wd

WIDE! Bangs it in short and on middle. Wided. The bowler is not happy.

42.50

Goes short! This is evaded.

42.40

Shortish and on off. This is guided to point.

42.31

A run as this is pushed past cover.

42.20

On the off pole. Defended.

42.10

On off. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 196/5

M Nabi3 (5)

A Omarzai52 (61)

S Islam7-0-48-0

41.61

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

41.51

Takes one now as this is punched past cover.

41.40

Beaten! Length and angling away. Omarzai pushes at it but is beaten.

41.30

Attacks the stumps. Omarzai shows the full face and defends.

41.20

Goes short and on off. This is guided to point.

41.11

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 193/5

A Omarzai51 (57)

M Nabi1 (3)

N Rana8-1-27-2

40.64

FOUR! Fifty for Omarzai. A lot now depends on him. He's well set and needs to take his side home. Length and on off. This is punched past cover and this races away to the fence.

40.51

Gets off the mark as this is worked through square leg for one.

40.40

A slower one on off. Blocked.

40.30

That's a nasty nut! A bumper on middle. Nabi looks to fend it. He gets an inside edge onto the body.

Mohammad Nabi comes out to the middle now.

40.2W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jaker Ali hangs on! Bangladesh will surely feel they're in it now! On middle. A slower one. Naib looks to go down the ground. He is done in by the slowness of the wicket and ends up hitting it high up in the air. Jaker, backtracks and almost makes a meal of it but in the end, takes a swirling catch. Afghanistan lose half their side now!

40.11

Back of a length and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Powerplay 3! Now five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the end of the game. It looks like this game is going down to the wire here.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 187/4

G Naib1 (4)

A Omarzai46 (55)

S Islam6-0-45-0

39.60

On the stumps. This is defended.

39.51

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

39.40

Fuller and on off. Omarzai drives but doesn't beat mid off.

39.30

Around off. Omarzai pushes it to covers.

39.21

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

39.11

Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 184/4

G Naib0 (2)

A Omarzai44 (51)

M Hasan9-0-49-1

38.60

Flatter and on middle. Kept out.

38.50

On middle. Kept out.

Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat now.

38.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Gurbaz falls! That's just the wicket Bangladesh needed to get some belief back! On middle. Shortish. Gurbaz looks to pull. This goes off the toe end and he holes out at deep square leg where Zakir Hasan takes a good catch. 61 needed in 68. A brilliant inning from Gurbaz but Bangladesh will believe they have an opening now.

38.30

Flatter and on middle. Gurbaz is solid in defense.

38.21

Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

38.11

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 182/3

A Omarzai43 (50)

R Gurbaz100 (117)

S Sarkar1-0-12-0

37.64

FOUR! Omarzai now moves into the 40s. These two are doing it easy! This is short and on middle. Sarkar pulls it through mid-wicket. This races away to the fence.

37.51

There it is! 100 FOR GURBAZ!. Their main man delivers when needed! He has been short of runs in this series but in the decider, scores a possible match-winning ton. He gets there by working the delivery on the pads through square leg for one.

37.40

Length and on off. This is pushed to cover.

37.36

SIX! Massive! Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves onto 99! Uses his feet yet again! He has done that brilliantly. Gets to the pitch of it and lofts it straight over the bowler's head for a biggie.

37.21

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

37.10

On the stumps. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 170/3

A Omarzai38 (47)

R Gurbaz93 (114)

N Ahmed10-2-24-0

36.61

On the shorter side. This is punched past cover for one.

36.50

Flatter and on middle. Omarzai lunges and keeps it out.

36.41

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

36.30

Angled into the pads. This is clipped to mid-wicket.

36.20

On the stumps. This is pushed to cover.

36.10

Flatter and on middle. Gurbaz defends.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 168/3

A Omarzai37 (45)

R Gurbaz92 (110)

M Hasan8-0-47-0

35.60

Dot to end but another expensive over! On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

35.50

On middle. Omarzai plays it back to the bowler.

35.41

Fires it outside off. This is punched past cover for one.

35.30

On middle. Defended.!

35.21

Now takes one as this is pushed past cover.

35.16

SIX! This partnership is running away with the game! Short and on middle. Omarzai ks up for it. He rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket. This goes all the way.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 160/3

R Gurbaz91 (108)

A Omarzai30 (41)

N Ahmed9-2-22-0

34.60

Goes short and on of, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it back to the bowler. Maiden over! Afghanistan are clearly not going to take any risks against Nasum Ahmed and he only have one more over left.

34.50

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to covers.

34.40

Flighted, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends it on the front foot.

34.30

Floated, full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz strides out and steers it towards point.

34.20

Quicker, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it back to the bowler.

34.10

Flatter, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 160/3

A Omarzai30 (41)

R Gurbaz91 (102)

M Hasan7-0-39-0

33.60

Flatter, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai strides out and fends it away. 9 runs off the over!

33.50

Flighted, full and on middle, turns in, Azmatullah Omarzai chips it in front of mid-wicket.

33.41

Another short delivery, turning into leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep square leg for another run.

33.31

Short again and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it towards long on for a run.

33.21

Floated, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it through square leg for a single. He moves into the 90s now!

33.16

SIX! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets into the act now! Mehidy Hasan drags his length back and around middle, Gurbaz has all the time in the world to rock back and smacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 151/3

A Omarzai29 (38)

R Gurbaz83 (99)

M Rahman7-0-33-2

32.60

Full once more and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it straight to short covers.

32.50

Pitched up and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it to mid off.

32.46

SIX! 150 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Mustafizur Rahman goes short and around middle, this one does not bounce that much. Azmatullah Omarzai gets on top of it easily and hooks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. The required runs gets into double-digits now!

32.31

Back of a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it away but gets a bottom edge on the bounce to the keeper. Jaker Ali slips and fails to collect it cleanly as the batters steal a single. Bangladesh needs exactly 100 runs to win now!

32.20

Full again and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it straight to mid off.

32.10

Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it out.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 144/3

A Omarzai23 (35)

R Gurbaz82 (96)

M Hasan6-0-30-0

31.60

Slower through the air, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to work it away but gets a leading edge that falls safely well in front of covers.

31.50

Darts one full, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and plays it back to the bowler again.

31.40

Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it down the pitch.

31.30

Quicker, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it back to the bowler.

31.22

Tossed up, full and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai goes down an drags his sweep wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

31.10

Flatter, short and on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai clips it straight to square leg.

Drinks! Afghanistan 103 runs to win in 19 overs now. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is batting on 82 and he has looked a class apart from the other. Azmatullah Omarzai has also provided good support and this is the key partnership that will decide this game. Bangladesh have failed to grab a few opportunities in the field and it is proving to be costly unless they can pick up wickets in clusters here. The wicket is turning a bit but the Bangladeshi spinners are yet to make an impact. If they get a wicket or two quickly now, it is going to be an exciting end to this chase.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 142/3

A Omarzai21 (29)

R Gurbaz82 (96)

M Rahman6-0-26-2

30.61

Overpitched and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it towards mid off for another quick one.

30.50

Hits the length hard, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it wide of point. Rahmanullah Gurbaz wants the run but is sent back. Rishad Hossain picks up but misses his shy at the bowler's end. Gurbaz dives in but a direct hit and he would have been a goner.

30.41

On a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it in front of short mid-wicket and steals a run. Good running!

30.31

Good length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it towards third man for a single.

30.21lb

Back of a length and around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

30.10

Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it out towards short covers.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 138/3

R Gurbaz81 (93)

A Omarzai19 (26)

N Ahmed8-1-22-0

29.61

Flighted, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz eases it to long on for a run. Just 2 runs off the over!

29.50

A bit short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz keeps it out to the leg side.

29.41

Quicker, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it just past short extra covers for a single.

29.30

Flighted, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it towards mid on.

29.20

Floated, full and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to covers.

29.10

Flatter, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it to short extra covers.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 136/3

A Omarzai18 (22)

R Gurbaz80 (91)

N Rana7-1-21-1

28.61

Overpitched and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai squeezes it through point for one.

28.51

Fuller in length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it through covers for a single.

28.40

Hard length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

28.41wd

Goes fuller but down the leg side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick. Wided. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

28.30

Back of a length and on off, slower as well, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes through his pull shot early. Gets a bottom edge that goes on the bounce to the keeper.

28.20

Play and miss! Nahid Rana lands this on a hard length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

28.10

Short of a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops up and dabs it towards point. He wants the single but is sent back.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 133/3

A Omarzai17 (21)

R Gurbaz79 (86)

N Ahmed7-1-20-0

27.60

Quicker one, full and on middle, skids through, Azmatullah Omarzai backs away and cuts it but straight backward point.

27.51

Flighted, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it through covers for a run.

27.40

Flatter, short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it back to the bowler.

27.31

Goes short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and guides it towards point for a single.

27.20

And again! Floated, full and on off, turns away again, Azmatullah Omarzai strides out to play but the ball spins past the outside edge.

27.10

RIPPER! Tossed up, full and on middle, grips and turns away sharply with bounce. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to drive it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 131/3

R Gurbaz78 (84)

A Omarzai16 (17)

N Rana6-1-18-1

26.60

Back of a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops up and blocks it out.

26.54

FOUR! Easy pickings! Nahid Rana hits the length hard, on middle, nips back in with extra bounce. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets inside the line of it and tickles it away to the fine leg fence using all the pace for a boundary.

26.51wd

Short of a length but going down the leg side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his pull. Wided.

Halt! It looks like Rahmanullah Gurbaz has hurt his left hand putting in that dive. The physio is in to check on him. He is good to continue.

26.40

Excellent stop! Pitched up and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it firmly wide of covers where Soumya Sarkar dives to his left to make a fine stop. He quickly gets up and throws at the batter's end but misses. A direct hit and it would have been close with Gurbaz diving in to make his ground.

26.30

Touch fuller and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it in front of point and calls for the single, but is sent back.

26.20

Back of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to work it away and gets hit on the thigh pads.

26.10

Short of a length and around middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Bangladesh had to make this change becuase they need a wicket here and Nahid Rana has shown express pace in his earlier spell.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 126/3

A Omarzai16 (17)

R Gurbaz74 (78)

N Ahmed6-1-18-0

25.60

Flatter, full and on middle, turns away, Azmatullah Omarzai keeps it out to the off side.

25.50

Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai prods forward and blocks it out.

25.41

Quicker, shortish and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz forces it to long off for another run.

25.31

Drags his length back around off, Azmatullah Omarzai slaps it to sweeper covers for a run.

25.21

Short again, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it through covers for a single.

25.10

Floated, short and around off, keeps low, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to cut it away but misses.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 123/3

A Omarzai15 (14)

R Gurbaz72 (75)

S Islam5-0-42-0

24.60

Dot to end but the damage was done earlier! On off. This is guided to point.

24.54

FOUR! Runs are flowing now. Islam over pitches. This is full and around off. It is drilled past cover and this races away to the fence.

24.40

On middle. Kept out.

24.31

Outside off. Gurbaz guides it past point for a couple.

24.22

Two! Offers worth. This is flayed past point for two.

24.16

SIX'! Into the crowd! He's the key for Bangladesh. On the pads. He uses his feet and then flicks it over the mid-wicket fence.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 110/3

A Omarzai11 (11)

R Gurbaz63 (72)

M Hasan5-0-28-0

23.60

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Halt! Mehidy Hasan is suffering from a bit of cramp here. The physio is in to check on him and do some stretching. We are good to continue now.

23.50

On middle. Kept out.

23.46

SIX! All the way. This is what this guy can do. He can hit it long! On middle. Gurbaz brings out the slog sweep and this goes over the mid-wicket fence.

23.31

Another single as this is flicked through square leg.

23.22

Outside off. This is guided through point for two.

23.11

On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 100/3

R Gurbaz60 (70)

A Omarzai4 (7)

S Islam4-0-29-0

22.60

On the shorter side. Gurbaz pulls. It goes off the bottom to mid-wicket.

22.50

Around off. This is blocked well.

22.44

FOUR! Cut away! A little too short and this is put away! It is flayed over point and this one races away to the fence.

22.30

On middle. Kept out.

22.21

Around off. This is guided past point for one.

22.10

On the stumps. This is defended to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 95/3

R Gurbaz56 (66)

A Omarzai3 (5)

M Hasan4-0-18-0

21.60

Dot to end! On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

21.51

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

21.52wd

Missed stumping! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is very lucky to be still out there! This is floated, full and on middle, turns in sharply to the leg side. Gurbaz skips down the track to flick it away but misses and Jaker Ali fails to collect it behind the stumps parrying it behind. A bye is taken and it is called a wide.

21.40

On the stumps. Kept out.

21.31

Shortish and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

21.20

Around off. Blocked.

21.11

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 90/3

A Omarzai1 (2)

R Gurbaz55 (63)

M Rahman5-0-23-2

20.60

On the stumps. Blocked.

20.51

Around off. This is punched past cover for one.

20.44

FOUR! Pulled away! Slightly short and Gurbaz latches onto it. He smacks it through mid-wicket. This races away.

20.30

Around off. Blocked.!

20.21

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next man in.

20.1W

OUT! SHAHIDI FALLS NOW! The Fizz gets him again. Back of a length around off, shaping away too. Shahidi looks to push at it but with no footwork at all. This goes off the outside edge. It flies wide of first slip where Soumya Sarkar dives low to his right and takes a fantastic catch. Hashmatullah Shahidi's struggling knock of 6 off 21 comes to an end now.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 84/2

H Shahidi6 (20)

R Gurbaz50 (60)

M Hasan3-0-13-0

19.61

Another short delivery, on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi forces it down to long on for one.

19.51

FIFTY FOR GURBAZ! He has finally come to life in this series! A crucial knock for his team but he knows he needs to make this a big one to get his team over the line. This is quicker, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it to long on for one. He makes a heart sign to the crowd to celebrate the milestone.

19.41

Short again and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi slaps it through covers for another run.

19.31

Short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and punches it to long on for a run.

19.21

Floated, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it towards long off for a single.

19.10

Tossed up, full and on of, Hashmatullah Shahidi lunges out and steers it towards backward point.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 79/2

R Gurbaz48 (58)

H Shahidi3 (16)

M Rahman4-0-17-1

18.60

On a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides it towards point.

18.51

Short again and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls it wide of mid on for a single. The fielder throws it at the batter's end where it hits the stumps and deflects away. Gurbaz wants to steal another run, but is denied by his partner.

18.40

Run out chance...missed! Short of a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and swats it towards mid on. Gurbaz sets off for the run but is sent back. He gives up as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. This would have been the last thing Afghanistan needed.

18.30

Good length and on the sixth stump line, Hashmatullah Shahidi steps across and pushes it to short covers. The pressure is building on him!

18.20

A bit fuller and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and drills it wide of short covers. The fielder dives to his left to make a fine stop.

18.10

Back of a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it towards short covers.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 78/2

R Gurbaz48 (57)

H Shahidi2 (11)

M Hasan2-0-8-0

17.60

Looped up, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz turns it to the leg side.

17.50

Shortish and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

17.40

Flatter, full and on middle, turns in sharply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to flick it and it brushes against his pads.

17.31

Flighted, full and around middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi goes down and sweeps it through square leg for a single.

17.20

Floated, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi turns it to the leg side.

17.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Hashmatullah Shahidi prods forward and blocks it out.

Drinks! The game is nicely poised at the moment with no team being in ascendency here. Afghanistan have lost a couple of wickets but Rahmanullah Gurbaz as finally found his form and will be the key in this chase. They need a couple of good partnerships and they will be in a great position to get over the line. Bangladesh knows that batting becomes difficult after the 20-25 overs and will need to be patient for their spinners to get into this game and pick up the wickets. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 77/2

R Gurbaz48 (54)

H Shahidi1 (8)

M Rahman3-0-16-1

16.60

Pulls his length back, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it to point again.

16.50

Touch fuller and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it out towards short covers.

16.40

Hard length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steers it towards point.

16.36

SIX! BOOM! Terrific shot! Mustafizur Rahman bangs this short and just around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks up the length early, gets on top of the bounce and hammers it away over the deep square leg fielder for a biggie.

16.20

Good length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

16.10

Change of ends for Fizz! Back of a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs it down to point.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 71/2

H Shahidi1 (8)

R Gurbaz42 (48)

M Hasan1-0-7-0

15.60

Flighted, full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet to push it away but gets an outside edge on the bounce to backward point. He wants the run but is sent back and has to put in a dive in to make his ground. He needs to calm down a bit here and not hurry.

15.50

Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away, Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards point.

15.41

Flatter, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it through mid-wicket for another run.

15.34

FOUR! Good shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down on one knee and nails the sweep shot towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

15.21

Floated, short again and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and slaps it to sweeper covers for a run.

15.11

Mehidy Hasan starts with a short delivery, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and punches it to long on for a single.

Mehidy Hasan brings himself into the attack now.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 64/2

H Shahidi0 (5)

R Gurbaz36 (45)

N Ahmed5-1-15-0

14.60

Amother dot! Around off. Shahidi blocks.

14.50

Make that 4! On the stumps. Shahidi keeps it out.

14.40

Three dots in a row! On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

14.30

On the stumps. Kept out.

14.20

Flatter and on off. Kept out.

14.11

Outside off. This is hit down to long off for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi comes out to the middle now.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 63/2

R Shah8 (22)

R Gurbaz35 (44)

M Rahman2-0-10-1

13.6W

OUT! TAKEN! The Fizz strikes! Shah falls. The short ball does the trick. Important wicket as Shah can bat for long. Short and on middle. He looks to pull but is hurried into the stroke. It goes off the top edge back to the bowler who moves forward to his right and gobbles it up. Bangladesh two down now!

13.50

Length again and on off. Kept out.

13.41

Outside off. Gurbaz guides it down to third man for one.

13.30

On the off pole. This is guided to point.

13.20

Around off. Kept out.!

13.12

On middle. This is worked through square leg for two.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 60/1

R Shah8 (20)

R Gurbaz32 (40)

N Ahmed4-1-14-0

12.60

Almost! This is flatter and around off. Too close to cut. Shah looks to do so but misses and it goes just past the off pole.

12.51

On middle. This is nudged on the leg side for one.

12.41

Outside off. This is guided through point for one.

12.31

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

12.20

On middle. Kept out.

12.11

Fuller and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 56/1

R Gurbaz30 (37)

R Shah6 (17)

M Rahman1-0-7-0

11.66

SIX! Over the fence. Adding salt to the wound! Biggie off a top edge. On middle. Gurbaz looks to pull. This goes off the top edge and sails over fine leg.

11.50

Did that carry? It did! A tough chance but should have been taken. Gurbaz gets a life and this could prove very costly. Length and on the pads. He looks to flick but this moves away. It goes off the leading edge to point. Low. Rishad Hossain dives forward but spills it.

11.40

A short one on middle. Gurbaz evades it.

11.30

On middle. Length. Kept out.

11.21

Around off. This is guided through point for one. Fifty up.

11.10

On middle. Shah looks to flick but this grips in the surface. It hits him high on the pads.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 49/1

R Gurbaz24 (33)

R Shah5 (15)

N Ahmed3-1-10-0

10.60

On the pads. Gurbaz works it to short fine leg. No run taken.

10.51

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

10.41

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

10.30

A loud appeal but not given! A long discussion follows but no review taken. This lands on off and spins away. Gurbaz looks to defend but is beaten. No spike on Ultra Edge.

10.21

Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

10.11

A little too full. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Powerplay 2! Bangladesh can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Afghanistan have got to a decent start but they can;t seem to be handling the express pace of Nahid Rana here.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 45/1

R Shah3 (13)

R Gurbaz22 (29)

N Rana5-1-13-1

9.60

Pulls his length back now, on off, Rahmat Shah guides it straight to point.

9.50

Touch fuller this time, on middle, Rahmat Shah pushes it towards short covers.

9.40

Short of a length and outside off, Rahmat Shah goes chasing after it but misses due to the extra bounce.

9.30

Hits the length hard, on middle, Rahmat Shah gets behind the line of it and dabs it down to point.

9.20

BEATEN! Good-length delivery, on off, holds its line a bit, Rahmat Shah has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.11

Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 44/1

R Shah3 (8)

R Gurbaz21 (28)

N Ahmed2-1-6-0

8.60

MAIDEN OVER! Tossed up, full and on off, Rahmat Shah strides out and keeps it out to the off side.

8.50

Another short delivery around off, Rahmat Shah punches it to extra covers.

8.40

Flatter, short and outside off, Rahmat Shah cuts it straight to point.

8.30

Quicker, full and on off, angling in, Rahmat Shah pushes it to short covers.

8.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rahmat Shah fends it to the leg side, Gurbaz wants the run but is sent backand righty so.

8.10

Floated, full and around off, Rahmat Shah drives it to covers.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 44/1

R Shah3 (2)

R Gurbaz21 (28)

N Rana4-1-12-1

7.63

Goes fuller and on middle, Rahmat Shah flicks it away with good timing wide of deep square leg. The fielder covers a lot of ground to his left and stops it. Three runs taken.

7.50

Back of a length and around off, Rahmat Shah dabs it down to point.

7.4W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Delight for the debutant! Nahid Rana gets his first ODI wicket with an absolute cracker of a delivery. He hits the length hard on the sixth stump line, gets it to nip back in sharply at around 149 clicks. Sediqullah Atal stays in his crease but is late to bring his bat down and plays down the wrong line as well. The ball goes through the gap between bat and pad and just kisses the top of off. He could not have done much with that as it was a perfect ball. Afghanistan lose their first wicket! Also, Rahmat Shah walks out to bat at number 3.

Nahid Rana is bowling at a rapid pace here and with good consistency as well.

7.42wd

Slower one, full but way down the leg side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone. Jaker Ali, the keeper moves to his left but only manages to parry it away. It is called a wide and bye is taken.

7.30

On a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to the leg side.

7.21

This is some serious pace from Nahid Rana! He lands this on a good length at 150.9 clicks, on middle, Sediqullah Atal nudges it towards mid-wicket for a quick single.

7.10

Back of a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal pats it down in front of short covers.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 38/0

R Gurbaz21 (27)

S Atal13 (15)

N Ahmed1-0-6-0

6.60

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

6.53

Flighted, full and around off, Sediqullah Atal strides out and slices it over point. Towhid Hridoy chases after it and slides forward to push it back inside just in time. Three runs taken.

6.40

Quicker, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

6.41wd

Flatter, short and on middle, turns a lot into the leg side, Sediqullah Atal misses his flick. Wided.

6.31

Goes short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it hard towards extra covers where Rishad Hossain lets it through for a run.

6.21

Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal taps it wide of covers for a quick single.

6.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away, Sediqullah Atal looks to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards point.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 32/0

R Gurbaz20 (25)

S Atal9 (11)

N Rana3-1-6-0

5.60

Hard length and on middle, angling in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it down towards mid-wicket.

5.50

Short of a length and on middle, shoots up off the surface again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops up and manages to well it keep it down on the pitch.

5.41

Goes fuller and around off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it towards covers for a single.

5.31lb

Good length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to play at it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards point as the batters cross for a leg bye.

5.20

Swing and a miss! Nahid Rana bowls this full at 149.1 clicks, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steps down the track to loft it over covers but misses it completely.

5.10

That's an excellent delivery! Nahid Rana hits the length hard and around off, takes off viciously. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to play at it but gets beaten due to pace and bounce.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 30/0

R Gurbaz20 (20)

S Atal8 (10)

S Islam3-0-24-0

4.61

Shorter and on middle. Gurbaz works it on the leg side and takes one. Another very good over for the hosts.

4.56

SIX! All the way again! Ominous signs for the visitors as Gurbaz is looking at his best here! On the pads. Easy for him. He flicks it well over the square leg fence. Second one for him.

4.40

Good length again and on middle. Defended.

4.33

Excellent running! On the pads. Atal works it through square leg. By the time fine leg runs across and fields it, the batters take three.

4.20

Around off. This is played with the full face of the bat.

4.10

Outside off. Atal guides it to point.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 20/0

R Gurbaz13 (17)

S Atal5 (7)

N Rana2-1-5-0

3.60

Length again and outside off. Gurbaz shoulders arms to this one.

3.50

Beaten! Length and around off. This lands and moves away. Gurbaz looks to defend but is beaten.

3.40

Fullish and on middle. Gurbaz drives but straight back to the bowler.

3.30

Well outside off. Gurbaz makes an easy leave.

3.20

Another one on the shorter side and outside off. Not played at.

3.10

Shortish and outside off. Left alone.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 20/0

S Atal5 (7)

R Gurbaz13 (11)

S Islam2-0-14-0

2.60

Outside off. Length again. This is guided to point.

2.51

Around off. Length. Gurbaz looks to defend, this goes off the inner half down to fine leg for one.

2.40

Shortish and outside off. Gurbaz chops it on the off side.

2.36

SIX! What a shot that is! Wow! Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes a few steps down the track and makes it into a half volley. He just lifts it over the mid-wicket fence and it goes all the way.

2.20

Good length and on middle. Gurbaz pushes it to mid on.

2.11

Outside off. Atal opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 12/0

S Atal4 (5)

R Gurbaz6 (7)

N Rana1-0-5-0

1.61

On middle. Atal works it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

1.50

Back of a length and around off. Atal stays back and defends.

1.42

Two! Angled into the pads. Atal works it through square leg. Two taken.

1.31

Quick run! On middle. Length. This is pushed to mid on for a single.

1.20

Hits the deck hard! Around off. Extra bounce. Gurbaz stands tall and defends.

1.11lb

On the pads. Atal looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

1.11wd

This is very wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.

The debutant, Nahid Rana will share the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 6/0

R Gurbaz5 (5)

S Atal1 (1)

S Islam1-0-6-0

0.64

FOUR! Off the inner half but a boundary. First of the chase and the last ball spoils the over somewhat! On middle. Gurbaz steps out. There is a little bit of swing in. He swings but this goes off the inner half past square leg for a boundary.

0.50

On middle. Good length. Blocked.

0.41

Atal is off the mark now! Length and outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

0.31

Afghanistan and Gurbaz are underway! Fullish and around off. This is driven just wide of mid off for one.

0.20

Length again and on off. Gurbaz lunges and keeps it out.

0.10

Length and around off. Defended.

Commentary

We are back for the all-important chase in this decider! The players are already out in the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal are the two openers for Afghanistan. Shoriful Islam to start te proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

So, 245 is what Afghanistan needs to win to clinch this 3 ODI series. In modern-day cricket, this is very much a gettable total. But the way the batters have struggled while chasing in this series at Sharjah, it hangs well in the balance and it is anyone's game to win from here. Given how Afghanistan's top order has struggled, it will be a huge responsibility on the shoulders of someone like Rahmanullah Gurbaz who is yet to produce a match-winning knock in this series up top. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be aiming to dominate the first Powerplay and set the tone with the ball. Stay tuned, as a riveting run chase is up next very shortly.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is up for a short interview. He says that he is very happy with the batting effort. Adds that the way they batted in the first 10 overs was great but then lost wickets in clusters. Mentions that Miraz and Mahmudullah did a commendable job with that record-breaking partnership. Says that Miraz showed calmness when they lost all the wickets and he is a bit disappointed that Mahmudullah couldn't score the ton. Tells that there is a bit of seam movement under lights and he thinks they have enough runs on the board. Ends by saying that he is feeling a bit uncomfortable with the groin injury but should be fine.

With wickets in hand, the experienced duo of Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan seized the initiative in the final overs. They went on the offensive, upping the ante and accelerating the run rate. The fifth-wicket stand of 145 runs between the two proved to be the cornerstone of Bangladesh's innings. In the final ten overs, Bangladesh shifted gears, notching up 90 runs while losing 4 wickets towards the backend. Mahmudullah led the charge, falling just shy of a century on 98 but powered Bangladesh to a formidable total. While the other Afghan bowlers struggled to make inroads, Azmatullah Omarzai stood out with a brilliant four-wicket haul, finishing with career-best figures giving away just 5 runs in the final over.

Nonetheless, the experienced Mahmudullah joined forces with his skipper Mehidy Hasan and the duo managed to weather the storm. They bossed up the 21-40 over phase, going unscathed and ensuring Bangladesh's innings did not completely unravel. Yes, Rashid Khan and the other spinners prevented regular boundaries but the two milked singles and doubles to keep the scorecard ticking along. Both of them paced their innings well, negotiating the barrage of spin with a touch of class.

Just when the openers looked settled, Azmatullah Omarzai was introduced into the attack and broke the shackles for Afghanistan. Just in a matter of time, both Bangladeshi openers were back into the hut and Bangladesh were reduced from a comfortable 53/0 to 58/3 in the span of just 13 deliveries and the dot balls added an extra bit of pressure on the incoming batters. On a mission to rebuild, skipper Mehidy Hasan and Towhid Hridoy tried to steer through the storm in the second Powerplay. But their progress was halted when Rashid Khan struck in his very first over. The lack of boundaries for an extended period of 50 balls, further compounded the pressure on the Bangladesh batters.

Bangladesh decided to have the first crack with the bat on a fresh surface. The ball initially came off well onto the bat. Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar were alert for the most part and struck boundaries on any loosener offered to them and added brisk 50 runs together. The Afghan bowlers struggled to find their rhythm initially, with Fazalhaq Farooqi in particular bowling some 'genuine friendlies' that the Bangladeshi batters were able to take advantage of. The Afghan fielders also let down their team, dropping a couple of chances early on, which allowed the Bangladesh openers to maintain their momentum.

Such an anti-climatic end for Mahmudullah after playing a gem of a knock for his nation. And more so, it was a blockbuster first half of the series decider, to say the least. Bangladesh finish at 244 on the board and would be the happier side of the two walking to the sheds. It was a fresh pitch but, the template has been the same, as the first inning score almost mirrors the scores from the first two ODIs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 244/8

Mahmudullah98 (98)

S Islam2 (2)

A Omarzai7-0-37-4

49.61W

OUT! RUN OUT! No, he can't! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches it up, on middle, Mahmudullah swipes it away towards deep square leg and turns around for the second run. Rahmat Shah is quick to collect the ball and throws it to the keeper's end where Rahmanullah Gurbaz does the rest. Mahmudullah is well short of his crease but has played a terrific knock of 98 runs off 98 balls. Bangladesh finishes on 244/8!

49.51

Back of a length and on off, Shoriful Islam dabs it to point for another quick one. The fielder misses again and Mahmudullah makes his ground. Bangladesh cannot reach 250 barring any extras, but can Mahmudullah score a hundred in Sharjah?

49.41

Back of a length and on middle, Mahmudullah heaves it away towards deep square leg for just one.

49.31

Fuller and on middle, Shoriful Islam steers it towards point and sets off for the run. The fielder missed his shy at the batter's end or else Mahmudullah was a goner.

Shoriful Islam is the new batter in at number 9.

49.2W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Azmatullah Omarzai has four now! More importantly, it is a dot ball and Mahmudullah remains off strike. He cleverly takes pace off, on a length and on middle. Nasum Ahmed makes room and swings wildly across the line but goes through it way early. He misses the ball completely as it rattles the stumps. Can Bangladesh reach the 250-run mark in the next 4 balls?

49.11lb

Hard length and on middle, angling in, Mahmudullah misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. The batters crosses for a leg bye.

Azmatullah Omarzai to bowl the final over of the first innings.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 239/6

Mahmudullah96 (95)

N Ahmed5 (5)

F Farooqi7-0-41-0

48.61lb

Mahmudullah retains the strike for the last over! Pitched up and on off, Mahmudullah goes for the reverse sweep but misses and the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken. There is also an appeal for LBW, but the umpire says no. Afghanistan takes the review though. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that impact is outside off. Afghanistan lose a review!

48.52

Full toss once more, on off, Mahmudullah moves across and whips it wide of deep square leg for a brace. He moves to 96 now!

48.41

Another full toss, on off, Nasum Ahmed bunts it down to mid off for a quick one. Hashmatullah Shahidi picks up but decides not to throw as there was no one backing up.

48.31

Good stop! A full toss around off, Mahmudullah carves it wide of point where Rashid Khan dives to his left to make a brilliant stop. He certainly saves three runs for his time as the batters get just one.

48.26

SIX! Up, up and away! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full and right in the slot, on middle. Mahmudullah throws the kitchen sink at it and whacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He moves into the 90s now!

48.11

Change of pace, full and around off, Nasum Ahmed drags it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (6-0-30-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 227/6

Mahmudullah87 (91)

N Ahmed3 (3)

A Omarzai6-0-33-3

47.60

Slower one, on a length and outside off, Mahmudullah moves across and goes through his slog early. Gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls to the keeper.

47.51

Pitched up and angling into leg, Nasum Ahmed clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

47.42

Touch fuller and around leg, Nasum Ahmed swipes it wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run. AM Ghazanfar is a bit lazy to get to the ball and Omarzai is not happy with the effort.

47.30

Short of a length and on middle, Nasum Ahmed blocks it on the pitch.

Nasum Ahmed is in at number 8.

47.2W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Afghanistan with a fine review now! A loud appeal for caught behind, but turned down! It is Afghanistan's turn to challenge the on-field decision now. Azmatullah Omarzai lands this on a hard length and just outside off, Jaker Ali tries to heave it across the line but misses. The ball goes close to the inside edge and there is a sound as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz completes the catch behind the stumps. UltraEdge comes up and shows the spike and the on-field call is overturned. Bangladesh six down now!

47.11

Fuller and around off, Mahmudullah lofts it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

Change? Nope, Azmatullah Omarzai to continue. He is 5-0-29-2 so far.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 223/5

Mahmudullah86 (89)

J Ali1 (1)

R Khan10-0-40-1

46.61

Another short delivery, on middle, Mahmudullah pulls it to deep square leg for one.

46.51

Short and on middle, Jaker Ali nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

46.41

Back-of-the-hand googly, on a length, on middle, tucked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

46.30

DROPPED! A tough chance though! A bit short and on middle, Mahmudullah thumps it hard aerially down the track. It goes into the midriff of Rashid Khan and then goes out. It went really quickly and hit Rashid rather than him going for the catch.

46.22

Floated, full and on middle, Mahmudullah swipes it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.

46.21wd

Quicker, short and down the leg side, Mahmudullah misses his pull. Wided.

46.10

A huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger! However, Mahmudullah takes the review straight away. This is a googly, full and on middle, turns in sharply, Mahmudullah looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. The replay shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that it is missing the wicket. It turned a bit too much. Good review from Mahmudullah!

Is that LBW? The umpire responds to the appeal from Rashid Khan and raises his finger. Mahmudullah thinks that the ball is sliding outside leg and goes for a review. Ball Tracking comes up and shows that it is missing the leg stump by a huge margin.

Jaker Ali is the new batter in at number 7.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 217/5

M Hasan66 (119)

Mahmudullah82 (84)

A Omarzai5-0-29-2

45.6W

OUT! TAKEN! Azmatullah Omarzai has the last laugh here after conceding 12 runs in the previous 5 balls. He takes all the pace off, hard length and outside off. Mehidy Hasan looks to heave it across the line but goes through his shot early. Gets a top edge as the ball loops in the air towards extra covers where Gulbadin Naib takes a simple catch. Mehidy Hasan departs after a fine knock of 66 off 119 and the big partnership of 145 runs is finally broken.

45.51

Full again and on middle, shaping in, Mahmudullah looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball rolls to point. They cross.

45.42

In the air...safe! Pitched up and outside off, slower too, Mahmudullah goes for the big slog but gets a top edge. The ball goes high in the air and lands safely in front of the running short third fielder. Two runs taken.

45.31

Fuller and around off, Mehidy Hasan drills it towards mid off for a quick single.

45.24

FOUR! Goes the other way this time! Bangladesh are changing gears now! Azmatullah Omarzai goes full and outside off. Mehidy Hasan goes down across for the scoop again, but sees the ball is too far outside off for that shot. He opens his body and stamps it over the short third fielder for another boundary.

45.14

FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Azmatullah Omarzai lands this on a good length and around middle, Mehidy Hasan goes down across and scoops it over the short fine fielder for a boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 205/4

Mahmudullah79 (82)

M Hasan57 (115)

R Khan9-0-34-1

44.62

Another excellent display of running between the wickets by these two! Rashid Khan dishes out a quicker wrong'un, drifting on the pads, on a fuller length, Mahmudullah is quick to rock back and tickles it fine towards deep fine. The ball is chased down by AM Ghazanfar from short fine who keeps it to a couple of runs.

44.50

Fires it fuller and on off, Mahmudullah works it to the right of Rashid.

44.44

FOUR! Nailed it! 200 up for Bangladesh! A genuine half-volley on the stumps, Mahmudullah sits down and sweeps it over square leg for a cracking boundary.

44.31

Much fuller and on middle, Mehidy Hasan sweeps it over the in-field and picks up a single at deep square leg.

44.20

Quick and full on middle, Mehidy Hasan is cramped for room and manages to hit it back to the bowler.

44.11

Flat, quick and on middle, Mahmudullah quickly rocks back and pulls it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 197/4

Mahmudullah72 (78)

M Hasan56 (113)

Ghazanfar7-0-49-0

43.61

Nice and full, just around off, Mahmudullah guides it to backward point and steals another quick single to end the over. Excellent running between the wickets by these two batters.

43.51

Short of a good length, on middle, Mehidy Hasan tucks it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

43.41

Tossed up, full and on the middle, Mahmudullah lunges ahead with a huge stride and eases it to cover for a single. Mahmudullah is limping at the moment but not ready to concede at all.

43.31

Flat and too full on off, Mehidy Hasan slices it to backward point for a quick single.

43.21

On middle, full in length, turning away a shy bit, Mahmudullah leans ahead and works it to cover-point for a single. This is now Bangladesh's highest 5th wicket stand against Afghanistan.

43.14

FOUR! Incredible batting! And now, these two will be itching to step on the gas. Full and more of a half-volley on offer, on the stumps, Mahmudullah gets his front foot out of the way and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 188/4

M Hasan54 (111)

Mahmudullah65 (74)

R Khan8-0-26-1

42.60

Flighted, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan drives it inside-out but finds the fielder at cover.

42.51

Tossed up, on the leg stump line, Mahmudullah steers it to deep mid-wicket and milks another single.

42.41

Flat, quick and full in front of the sticks, Mehidy Hasan turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

42.31

Pitched up on middle, fuller in length, Mahmudullah drills it against the spin to long on for one.

42.20

Short of a length and quicker through the air, just outside off, Mahmudullah rocks back and cuts it to backward point.

Halt! Rashid Khan is struggling again but this time with cramps. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper turns into physio is helping Rashid stretch out on the field. The actual physio comes in now and Rashid Khan is putting up a belt on his right thigh. We are good to resume again.

42.11

Slower through the air, on a length, on off, Mehidy Hasan rocks back and taps it with soft hands to wide of mid on for a quick single.

42.11wd

WIDE! Spills it way down leg. Mehidy Hasan leaves and it is called a Wide.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 183/4

Mahmudullah63 (71)

M Hasan52 (108)

Ghazanfar6-0-40-0

41.60

Nagging length, just around off, Mahmudullah taps it with soft hands towards the point fielder to end the over. The partnership now has grown to 111 runs.

41.61wd

WIDE! Length ball, drifting down leg, Mahmudullah misses to nudge it away. Wide given.

41.51

Flatter, fuller and on the middle, Mehidy Hasan works it through cover-point for a single.

41.41

Tossed up, full and on off, Mahmudullah drives it along the ground to deep covers for a single.

41.34

FOUR! A shot of real authority from Mahmudullah! AM Ghazanfar drops it flatter and fuller outside off, Mahmudullah shuffles across the leg stump and lofts it inside-out over the inner ring for a cracking boundary at deep point.

41.20

Nice and full, outside off, driven straight to cover by Mahmudullah.

41.11

Flat and on a good length, Mehidy tucks it across to wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 175/4

Mahmudullah58 (67)

M Hasan50 (106)

M Nabi10-2-37-1

40.66

SIX! INTO THE CROWD! Drops it short and on the stumps, does Nabi, Mahmudullah reads the length early, and gets himself in position quickly. Rocks back and pulls it aerially with no intention to keep it down. Deposits it behind deep mid-wicket for a cracking six. This also brings up the 100-run stand between these two.

40.51

FIFTY FOR MEHIDY HASAN! 4th of his ODI career! Nice and full on the stumps, Mehidy Hasan drills t down to long on and strolls for a single. A terrific resilient knock from the stand-in skipper of Bangladesh. Leading from the front with the bat.

40.40

Drifting on middle, good length, Mehidy Hasan hangs back and glances it to square leg.

Halt! The physio is in to check on Rashid Khan who hurt his fingers trying to make that stop. He still has a few overs to bowl and this could be a blow to Afghanistan. However, he looks fine for now and we are good to continue.

40.31

On the stumps, fuller in length, Mahmudullah steers it to deep square leg where Rashid Khan dives to intercept the ball. They cross for a single. And looks like Rashid has hurt himself in the process to dive.

40.20

Short of a good length, on off, tucked away with the spin to square leg.

40.11lb

Very slow, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan goes for a paddle scoop but misses, and wears on the pads. The ball rolls to the cover-point region and they collect a leg bye.

Powerplay 3! Now five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. Bangladesh will want to accelerate in the last ten overs and score something near 230 which would be a good total on this wicket.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 166/4

M Hasan49 (103)

Mahmudullah51 (64)

N Kharote9-0-35-0

39.61

Another short delivery, on middle, Mehidy Hasan swats it down to long on for one more.

39.51

Short and around off, Mahmudullah punches it to long off for for another run.

39.41

Floated, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan drives it down to long off for a run.

39.31

FIFTY FOR MAHMUDULLAH! A fine knock from the veteran and it has come at a crucial time for Bangladesh! Flighted, full and on off, Mahmudullah eases it to long off for one.

39.21

Short and around off, turns away, Mehidy Hasan punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

39.10

Tossed up, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan pushes it towards covers.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 161/4

Mahmudullah49 (62)

M Hasan46 (99)

M Nabi9-2-29-1

38.60

Short again and around off, Mahmudullah punches it straight to extra covers. He remains on 49. This is another maiden from Mohammad Nabi!

38.50

Drags his length back and angling into leg, Mahmudullah uses his feet and flicks it to square leg. He wants the run but is sent back.

38.40

Flighted, full and on middle, Mahmudullah works it to short mid-wicket.

38.30

Flatter, full and on leg, Mahmudullah clips it to square leg. Three dots in a row!

38.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah tucks it to short mid-wicket again.

38.10

Short and on middle, Mahmudullah stays back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 161/4

M Hasan46 (99)

Mahmudullah49 (56)

N Kharote8-0-30-0

37.60

Floated, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan knocks it to the left of the bowler.

37.50

Loopy delivery, dips right in the blockhole, on off, Mehidy Hasan digs it out to point.

37.41

Flighted, full and on off, Mahmudullah drills it down to long off for one.

37.34

FOUR! Excellent shot! Flighted, full and around off, Mahmudullah gets right underneath it and drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

37.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah defends it on the front foot.

37.10

Quicker, full and on middle, Mahmudullah pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 156/4

M Hasan46 (97)

Mahmudullah44 (52)

M Nabi8-1-29-1

36.60

Short again and around off, Mehidy Hasan looks to punche it away but ends up bunting it to the off side.

36.52

Drags his length back, outside off, Mehidy Hasan backs away and cuts it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

36.40

Quicker, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan clips it straight o square leg.

36.30

Goes short and on middle, Mehidy Hasan moves back and punches it back to the bowler.

36.21

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah drills it down to long on for a single.

36.10

Floated, short and on middle, Mahmudullah nudges it towards short fine.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 153/4

Mahmudullah43 (50)

M Hasan44 (93)

R Khan7-0-21-1

35.61

Looped up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah eases it down to long on for one.

35.50

Slows it up, full and on off, Mahmudullah strides out and keeps it out to the off side.

35.41

Flighted, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan pushes it through covers for a single.

35.30

Floated, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan taps it to short covers.

35.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan turns it to the leg side.

35.10

Flatter, short and on middle, Mehidy Hasan pats it to the left of short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 151/4

Mahmudullah42 (48)

M Hasan43 (89)

M Nabi7-1-26-1

34.66

SIX! BANG! Mahmudullah goes big now! 150 UP FOR BANGLADESH! Mohammad Nabi tosses it up, full and on middle. Mahmudullah skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The partnership now grows to 80 runs. This is Bangladesh's highest partnership for any wicket at Sharjah.

34.51

Flatter, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan uses his feet again and goes through with the heave across the line. Gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for one.

34.40

Nicely bowled! Mohammad Nabi sees the batter advance and slows it up, drags his length back asMehidy Hasan initially looks for the big slog but adjusts well and pushes it to covers.

34.31

Quicker, full and around off, Mahmudullah stabs it in front of short covers for a quick run.

34.20

Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Mahmudullah fails to flick it away as the ball brushes against the pads and goes to the keeper.

34.11

Flatter, full and around off, turns in, Mehidy Hasan stays back to play at it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 142/4

M Hasan41 (86)

Mahmudullah35 (45)

R Khan6-0-19-1

33.61

A googly now, full and on off, turns in, Mehidy Hasan moves back and punches it to long off for one.

33.52

Pushed through quicker, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan uses the pace nicely and guides it past short third for a brace.

33.40

Flighted, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan turns it to the leg side.

33.30

Quicker one, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan pushes it back towards the bowler where Rashid Khan dives to his right to make a good stop.

33.20

Floated, full and on off, turns away, Mehidy Hasan steers it towards point.

33.11

Flatter, short and around off, Mahmudullah guides it towards point where the fielder fumbles and allows the single. Rashid Khan not happy with that effort.

Time for another Drinks break! Easy to say, this phase of 21-30 overs has been dominated by Bangladesh as they have added 44 runs in this phase without any loss of a wicket. Mahmudullah joined forces with his skipper Mehidy Hasan and the two have weathered the early storm by constructing a 66-run stand for the 5th wicket. The boundaries, however, haven't come regularly but these two have milked singles and doubles to keep the scorecard ticking along. With spin in tandem, Afghanistan did manage to prevent runs from flowing freely but they also know, to dominate in cricket, you need to pick wickets at regular intervals. A wicket or two at this point will catapult Afghanistan back into the contest. While Mehidy and Mahmudullah will aim to extend this partnership as long as possible. Rashid Khan to continue after the break.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 138/4

M Hasan38 (81)

Mahmudullah34 (44)

M Nabi6-1-17-1

32.60

Flighted, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan strides out and fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

32.50

Flatter, short and on off, Mehidy Hasan moves back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

32.40

Slows it up, short and on middle, turns in, Mehidy Hasan gets down early to paddle but mistimes it towards square leg.

32.30

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan clips it to square leg.

32.20

Quicker, full and skids through on middle, Mehidy Hasan stays back and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

32.11

Short and on middle, Mahmudullah moves back and punches it towards long on for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 137/4

M Hasan38 (76)

Mahmudullah33 (43)

F Farooqi6-0-30-0

31.60

Touch fuller and around off, Mehidy Hasan pushes it to short covers.

31.51

On a length and on off, Mahmudullah guides it towards third man for a single.

31.44

FOUR! Lovely shot! Fazalhaq Farooqi bangs this short and outside off, Mahmudullah gets the width and crunches it through point for four runs. A boundary after 45 balls!

31.32

Runs after 11 straight dots! On a length and on middle, Mahmudullah flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a brace.

31.20

Hard length and on middle, Mahmudullah stays back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

31.10

Back of a length and on off, angling in, Mahmudullah dabs it down to the left of short covers.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 130/4

M Hasan38 (75)

Mahmudullah26 (38)

M Nabi5-1-16-1

30.60

MAIDEN OVER! Flighted, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan defends it on the front foot.

30.50

Five dots in a row now! Quicker, full and on middle and leg, Mehidy Hasan clips it to square leg again.

30.40

Short again and on middle, Mehidy Hasan stays back and flicks it straight to square leg.

30.30

Floated, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan prods forward and blocks it out.

30.20

Goes short and on middle, Mehidy Hasan nudges it towards mid-wicket.

30.10

Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Mehidy Hasan goes down to scoop it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 130/4

Mahmudullah26 (38)

M Hasan38 (69)

F Farooqi5-0-23-0

29.60

Length, on the stumps, Mahmudullah steers it to short mid-wicket. A brilliant over from Fazalhaq Farooqi. Jut a solitary run from it, but, he is still searching for his first wicket in this series.

29.50

Attacks the stumps, full and on off, Mahmudullah defends it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket.

29.40

Excellent delivery! At 135 kph, Farooqi bowls it in the corridor of uncertainty, on the back of a length, just outside off, it holds its shape a bit as well. Mahmudullah is squared up and hangs his bat away from the body. Gets beaten and the ball zips past his outside edge.

29.31

Length-delivery outside off, Mehidy Hasan punches it to wide of cover for a quick single.

29.20

Back of a length, angling on middle, Mehidy Hasan is cramped up for room and tries to work it across but misses and wears on his body.

29.10

Around the stumps, nagging length outside off, Mehidy Hasan stays rooted in his crease. He goes for a square cut but misses and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 129/4

M Hasan37 (66)

Mahmudullah26 (35)

M Nabi4-0-16-1

28.61

Singles coming with ease now for Bangladesh. Short of a good length, on middle and leg, Mehidy Hasan hangs back and steers it with soft hands, along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

28.51

Length ball, on the stumps, Mahmudullah plays it closer to his body and taps it with soft hands to point for a quick single. Good running!

28.40

Flat, quick, full on middle, Mahmudullah skips forward and eases it to the leg side off the inside half of the bat.

28.31

Very slow through the air, on middle and leg, Mehidy Hasan hangs back and glances it to deep square leg for a single.

28.20

Nice and full, tossed on off, Mehidy Hasan leans on and drives it back to the bowler.

28.11

Length ball, on the stumps, pulled off the back foot to long on for a single by Mahmudullah.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 125/4

Mahmudullah24 (32)

M Hasan35 (63)

F Farooqi4-0-22-0

27.61

Back of a length, angling on the top of middle, Mahmudullah stays leg side of the ball and pushes it off the back foot to deep cover for a single to end the over. Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan have now added 53 runs together.

27.51

Full in length, at off, Mehidy Hasan drives it to deep backward point for a single.

27.41

Back of a length and outside off, Mahmudullah hangs back and guides it in front of backward point and fetches a quick single.

27.31

Angling on the leg stump line on a good length, Mehidy Hasan swivels to pull but gets it off his gloves to deep fine for a single.

27.20

Length ball, around off, Mehidy Hasan hits it off the inside half of the bat to short cover.

27.10

Hurls it full in length, just around off, Mehidy Hasan gets behind the line of the ball and taps it to the off side with soft hands.

Quick changes by Hashmatullah Shahidi as Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-0-18-0) is brought back into the attack. He replaces Nangeyalia Kharote.

Mahmudullah is struggling with his back injury and we wonder if he will start to take more risks.

Bangladesh are brewing up a good partnership here and the two most experienced players in their batting line-up need to take this game deep here.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 121/4

Mahmudullah22 (30)

M Hasan33 (59)

M Nabi3-0-12-1

26.60

Attacks the stumps does Nabi, full and on middle, Mahmudullah opens the bat face and guides it straight to cover-point to end the over.

26.50

Flat and quick on the stumps, blocked alertly on the front foot by Mahmudullah.

26.42

A bit slow through the air from Nabi, full and drifting on middle, Mahmudullah paddles it to deep fine for a couple of runs. Good running from the two batters.

26.31

Length ball, turning back into the batter, Mehidy Hasan gets on the back foot and works it to long on for one.

26.20

Flat, full, quick and on off, Mehidy Hasan blocks it back to the bowler.

26.11

Short of a good length, on middle, Mahmudullah punches it to long on for a single.

26.11wd

WIDE! Spills it down leg. Wide called.

Mohammad Nabi is into the attack now. He replaces AM Ghazanfar.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 116/4

Mahmudullah19 (26)

M Hasan32 (57)

N Kharote7-0-25-0

25.61

Length, on middle, tucked away by Mahmudullah to widish square leg for a single to end the over.

25.51

Mahmudullah had to hurry there! Much fuller and flatter on off, Mehidy Hasan flicks it to the right of the bowler where Kharote puts in a dive and parries the ball to mid on towards Rashid Khan. The batters hesitate to steal the single but eventually, they cross with Mahmudullah putting the afterburners to reach to the striker's end.

25.41

Drifting on the pads, on a good length, Mahmudullah leans ahead and nurdles it with soft hands to wide of square leg for a single.

25.30

Full in length, outside off, Mahmudullah drives it to short cover.

25.20

Nice and full, tossed up around off, driven straight to cover.

25.11

Full and around off, Mehidy Hasan dances down the track and drives it across to long on for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 112/4

M Hasan30 (55)

Mahmudullah17 (22)

Ghazanfar5-0-32-0

24.61

Flat, quick and full, outside off, Mehidy Hasan drills it to long off for a single. Halfway into the first innings and Bangladesh are 112/4 with this 5th wicket partnership adding 41 off 63 balls.

24.51

Too full and on off, Mahmudullah eases it in front of the point fielder and fetches a quick single.

24.41

A low full toss on off, Mehidy Hasan drives it to the left of the bowler. AM Ghazanfar scoots to his left and dives to stop the ball but it goes between his legs towards long off for a single.

24.32

Pushed through quicker and fuller around off, Mehidy Hasan drives it to deep extra covers for a couple of runs.

24.21

Back of a length around off, Mahmudullah hangs back and taps it in front of backward point for a quick single.

24.11

Full in length, tossed outside off, Mehidy Hasan drives it along the ground for a single to long off.

AM Ghazanfar (4-0-25-0) is back on, replacing Rashid Khan.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 105/4

Mahmudullah15 (20)

M Hasan25 (51)

N Kharote6-0-21-0

23.64

FOUR! In the gap and a boundary! Lovely shot this from the Bangladeshi veteran! Nangeyalia Kharote drops a flighted one, around off on a fullish length, Mahmudullah skips forward and gets to the pitch of the ball. Drives it inside out and through the cover-point gap for a boundary to end the over.

23.50

Nice and full, outside off, Mahmudullah eases it towards cover.

23.40

A low full toss on off, Mahmudullah drives it straight to mid off.

23.30

Beauty! Pitched fuller in length, on off and spin away from the batter. Mahmudullah leans on to defend but the ball beats the outside edge.

23.22

100 UP FOR BANGLADESH! Short of a good length, outside off, Mahmudullah camps back and cuts it through point for a brace.

23.10

Slow, full on off, tapped towards cover-point by Mahmudullah.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 99/4

Mahmudullah9 (14)

M Hasan25 (51)

R Khan5-0-15-1

22.61

Dishes out a wrong'un, short and spinning back into the batter on middle, Mahmudullah rocks back quickly and punches it to long off for a single to end the over. A very tidy over by Rashid. Just 2 runs from it.

22.50

Drags his length does Rashid, outside off, Mahmudullah almost chops on the cut shot. The ball dribbles on the bounce to the keeper.

22.40

At 92.4 kph, full and on the stumps, Mahmudullah pushes it gently to short mid-wicket.

22.30

Very quick and full, on off, Mahmudullah leans on and defends it out to the off side.

22.21

Pitched fuller in length, on the stumps, Mehidy Hasan drives it along the ground to long on for a single.

22.10

Flat and quick, a wrong'un on middle, Mehidy Hasan goes on the back foot and blocks it out.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 97/4

Mahmudullah8 (10)

M Hasan24 (49)

N Kharote5-0-15-0

21.60

Looped up, around off, Mahmudullah guides it to backward point.

21.50

Nice and full, tapped to the cover region.

21.44

FOUR! Clever shot! Full in length, on middle and leg, Mahmudullah half squats at it and paddles it to deep fine for a boundary.

21.31

Nagging-length delivery around off, Mehidy tucks it to wide of mid on for a single.

21.20

Tossed up at the stumps, Mehidy defends on the front foot on the surface.

21.10

Tossed up, full around leg stump line, Mehidy Hasan drills it to mid on.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 92/4

M Hasan23 (46)

Mahmudullah4 (7)

R Khan4-0-13-1

20.61

Tossed-up delivery full outside off, Mehidy Hasan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

20.50

Flighted delivery around fifth stump, Mehidy blocks it to covers.

20.40

Flighted around off, Miraz defends on the front foot to covers.

20.30

Oh, a huge mix-up but no harm done in the end! Bangladeshi batters are living on a knife's edge at the moment. Tossed up and around off, Mehidy lunges forward to defend, he opens the face of his blade and taps it in front of backward point. Mehidy wants a quick single and is almost halfway through but gets a sendback by Mahmudullah who is struggling with his back. Mehidy Hasan turns around and retreats back but has to put a full-length dive to get back. Nangeyalia Kharote picks the ball and throws it to the keeper's end where Rahmanullah Gurbaz flashes the bails off in a flash. The decision has been sent upstairs to check whether Mehidy made home at the striker's end. The side-on replay shows that Mehidy Hasan dragged his bat just in time inside the popping crease when the keeper dislodged the bails. NOT OUT!

20.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Mehidy Hasan into his 20s now. Flat and quick from Rashid, full and well outside off, Mehidy Hasan swings his bat really hard to drive through cover but gets a healthy outside edge that runs through short third and beats the chasing Nangeyalia Kharote at deep third.

20.10

Nice and full, on middle and leg, Mehidy Hasan leans on and defends it with inner half of the bat.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 87/4

Mahmudullah4 (7)

M Hasan18 (40)

N Kharote4-0-10-0

19.60

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Mahmudullah defends it on the front foot.

19.50

Flighted, full and on middle, Mahmudullah prods forward and blocks it out.

It looks like Mahmudullah has tweaked his back a bit and was seen agonizing in pain straight after playing the shot. The physio is out there in no time to attend the Bangladeshi veteran. Mahmudullah is down on the ground and is being helped with some stretching exercises. Meanwhile, the other players on the ground intake some fluids as it is really hot and humid out there. Mahmudullah gets up but he is still holding his back and is looking uncomfortable. But for now, he will continue to bat.

19.40

Quicker, short and on leg, Mahmudullah looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. It looks like he has done his back and is in a bit of discomfort.

19.31

Short again and on middle, Mehidy Hasan flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a single.

19.20

Goes short and around off, Mehidy Hasan stays back and punches it to extra covers.

19.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan prods forward and blocks it out.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 86/4

M Hasan17 (37)

Mahmudullah4 (4)

R Khan3-0-8-1

18.61

Floated, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan strides out and guides it wide of backward point for a quick single.

18.50

Flatter, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.

18.40

BEATEN! Pushed through quicker, full and around off, turns away again, Mehidy Hasan tries to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Another stare from Rashid!

18.30

Short again and on middle, Mehidy Hasan stays back and punches it back to the bowler. Rashid Khan collects it and fakes a throw at the batter's end. Gives a stare as well!

18.24

FOUR! STREAKY! Tossed up, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan tries to guide it away, but gets an outside edge. The ball just bounces in front of Gulbadin Naib at first slip who fails to get a hand to it and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary,

18.10

Goes short and on middle, Mehidy Hasan stabs it just wide of short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 81/4

M Hasan12 (31)

Mahmudullah4 (4)

N Kharote3-0-9-0

17.61

Fires one full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan knocks it wide of mid on and sets off for the run. Rashid Khan fails to pick it up on the first attempt and allows the batter to complete the run.

17.50

Flighted, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan fends it back to the bowler.

17.40

Shorter in length and around off, Mehidy Hasan punches it to extra covers.

17.30

Quicker, full and on middle again, Mehidy Hasan drills it down the pitch.

17.22

Floated, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan uses his feet and lofts it over the bowler's head. The fielder at long off runs to his right and slides in to make a good stop. Two runs taken.

17.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan taps it out towards covers.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 78/4

M Hasan9 (25)

Mahmudullah4 (4)

R Khan2-0-3-1

16.61

Drags his length back and outside off, Mehidy Hasan cuts it through cover-point for a run.

16.50

Flatter, shortish and around off, skids through, Mehidy Hasan looks for the cut but withdraws his bat at the last moment.

16.40

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan stays back and guides it towards point.

16.30

Floated, full and outside off, tempting the batter but Mehidy Hasan leaves it alone.

16.20

Short again and on off, Mehidy Hasan punches it towards extra covers.

16.11

Short and around leg, Mahmudullah flicks it through square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 76/4

M Hasan8 (20)

Mahmudullah3 (3)

N Kharote2-0-6-0

15.60

Quicker, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan drills it straight back to the bowler.

15.50

Darts one in full and on leg, Mehidy Hasan knocks it towards mid on.

15.41

Flights it up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah pushes it through covers for another run.

15.31

Flatter, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan eases it towards long off for a run.

15.20

Floated, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan strides out and blocks it out.

15.11

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah clips it through square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 73/4

M Hasan7 (16)

Mahmudullah1 (1)

R Khan1-0-1-1

14.60

Slower through the air, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan defends it on the front foot. Just one run and a wicket from the over then!

14.51

Flighted, full and around off, Mahmudullah drives it through covers for a single.

Drinks! Well, what a turnaround this has been at Sharjah! Bangladesh ruled the first 8 overs with the openers Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan constructing a 53-run stand. But, it all went downhill for them after that. Bangladesh have now been reduced from a commanding 53/0 to a precarious 72/4 in just a span of 6 overs or so. The bowling changes have come in pretty handy for Afghanistan as the bowlers have responded well despite two catches being grassed earlier. Afghanistan, now with the introduction of Rashid Khan and him striking in his very first over, will look to prevent any partnerships and continue to press on the opposition. Whereas, Bangladesh would aim to construct a resilient stand as there's still a lot of overs left to be played. Mahmudullah joins his skipper, Mehidy Hasan. He is in at number 6.

14.4W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! The magician strikes now and Towhid Hridoy's short stay at the crease comes to an end. The pressure was building with all the dots and Afghanistan gets the reward. Rashid Khan bowls another leggie, quicker through the air, full and on off, turning away a shy bit. Towhid Hridoy stays back in his crease and tries to keep it out with a straight bat, but the ball takes the outside edge and Gulbadin Naib at first slip shows quick reflexes to take a sharp catch. He makes up for his earlier dropped catch. Bangladesh are 72/4 now and in a spot of bother!

14.30

Flatter delivery, full and on off again, turns away too, Towhid Hridoy stays back to play at it but gets beaten all ends up once more. He is not able to pick Rashid here.

14.20

BEAUTY! Tossed up, full and on off, Towhid Hridoy prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

14.10

A bit of turn! Rashid Khan begins with a quicker delivery, short and around off, turns away, Towhid Hridoy looks to cut but misses.

Double change. Spin in tandem now. Rashid Khan comes into the attack for the first time, he replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 72/3

M Hasan7 (15)

T Hridoy7 (10)

N Kharote1-0-3-0

13.60

Slows it up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan blocks it down the pitch.

13.51

Loopy delivery, full and on off, Towhid Hridoy strides out and drills it through covers for one.

13.41

Flighted, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan drives it towards long off for a run.

13.30

Floated, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan knocks it towards mid on, the fielder from mid-wicker runs to his left to stop the single.

13.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan prods forward and blocks it out.

13.11

Nangeyalia Kharote starts with a flatter delivery, full and around off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it through covers for a single.

Another change in bowling. Nangeyalia Kharote is introduced into the attack and he replaces Mohammad Nabi.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 69/3

T Hridoy5 (8)

M Hasan6 (11)

A Omarzai4-0-17-1

12.61

Another short delivery, on middle, Towhid Hridoy finally manages to connect and swats it to deep mid-wicket for one.

12.50

Short of a length and on middle and off, Towhid Hridoy hops up to pull it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball goes nowhere.

12.40

Hits the length hard and on middle, Towhid Hridoy stays back and blocks it out.

12.41wd

Azmatullah Omarzai bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Towhid Hridoy looks to for the pull but misses as the ball passes close to his gloves. Rahmanullah Gurbaz grabs it behind the stumps and appeals but turned down, In fact, it is called a wide.

12.31

Full again and on middle, angling in, Mehidy Hasan tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

12.22

Fuller and around off, Mehidy Hasan drives it nicely wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

12.11

On a length and on the pads, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 63/3

M Hasan3 (9)

T Hridoy3 (4)

M Nabi2-0-7-1

11.60

Drags his length back, on middle, Mehidy Hasan stays back and pats it down to mid-wicket.

11.50

Fires one full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan uses his feet and drills it down the pitch.

11.40

Short again and around off, Mehidy Hasan punches it towards covers.

11.31

Flatter, short and on middle, turns in sharply, Towhid Hridoy nudges it through square leg for a run.

11.21

Floated, full and around middle, Mehidy Hasan eases it down to long on for a single.

11.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan knocks it down the pitch.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 61/3

T Hridoy2 (3)

M Hasan2 (4)

A Omarzai3-0-11-1

10.60

Good length and just outside off, Towhid Hridoy pushes to the leg side. Rashid slides in from mid on and intercepts the ball well.

10.50

Hard length and on middle, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket.

10.42

Touch fuller and on middle, Towhid Hridoy clips it through mid-wicket for a brace and gets off the mark.

10.31

On a length and around leg, Mehidy Hasan works it through square leg for a single.

Towhid Hridoy is in at number 5.

10.2W

OUT! RUN OUT! Bangladesh are falling apart here! Afghanistan gets a wicket in three consecutive overs. Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this on a good length and around middle, Mehidy Hasan gets squared up and guides it wide of point. He takes a couple of steps forward for the single and his partner responds. But Mehidy sends his partner back very late and Zakir Hasan gets stranded halfway down the track. Nangeyalia Kharote moves to his left, picks up and hits bullseye at the non-striker's end with Hasan nowhere near the crease. Bangladesh three down now!

10.10

Fuller in length and on off, Mehidy Hasan gets behind the line of it and taps it out to short covers.

Powerplay 2! Afghanistan can now have 4 fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. After a good start from Bangladesh, the Afghans have fought back nicely in the last couple of overs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 58/2

Z Hasan4 (7)

M Hasan1 (1)

M Nabi1-0-5-1

9.60

A sharp appeal for LBW by Rahmanullah Gurbaz but he is the loner interested in it. The umpire shakes his head in denial. Quicker and fuller by Nabi, around off, Zakir Hasan lunges ahead with a good stride forward and looks to defend it out. Gets a thick inside edge onto the pads. First Powerplay done, Bangladesh are 58/2.

9.50

Much better line this! Good length, outside off, Zakir Hasan cuts it straight to point.

9.44

FOUR! Swept away! Nabi over-compensates and tosses up a fuller one, down leg, Zakir Hasan sits down and sweeps it too fine towards deep fine for a boundary.

9.30

Arm ball, coming into the batter, flat and short on middle and leg, Zakir Hasan rocks back quickly and punches it straight to Nabi.

9.21

Full and outside the off stump, Mehidy Hasan drives it down to long on for a single.

Mehidy Hasan comes out to the middle now.

9.1W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Mohammad Nabi continues to shine with his presence and Afghanistan strike again in the span of just four balls. A soft dismissal for Tanzid. Nabi starts from around the stumps and lands a flatter one on a fuller length, just outside off, Tanzid Hasan looks to loft it inside-out over cover but does not reach to the pitch of the ball and goes through the shot. Slices the ball off the willow and hits it straight into the hands of Hashmatullah Shahidi stationed at point. He takes a sharp reverse cup catch and Bangladesh have lost both their openers now.

Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 53/1

Z Hasan0 (3)

T Hasan19 (28)

A Omarzai2-0-8-1

8.60

Nice and full, curving back into the batter from middle, Zakir Hasan flicks it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

8.50

Nice and full, just outside off, Zakir Hasan drives it straight to cover.

8.40

Across off on a length, left alone by Zakir.

Zakir Hasan walks out to bat number 3.

8.3W

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Azmatullah Omarzai provides the first breakthrough for Afghanistan and he is overjoyed with it. He keeps the line of attack outside off, on the back of a length. Soumya Sarkar is a bit tentative to play the cover drive and hence, the weight is not fully transferred on the front foot. As a result, he inside edges it and the ball crashes into the stumps. Soumya Sarkar who was looking really confident with his strokes loses his wicket on a lazy shot. Bangladesh are 53/1 in 8.3 overs.

8.20

Good length, outside off, Soumya Sarkar taps it to the right of point where the fielder dives and stops the ball.

8.14

FOUR! Lovely shot from Sarkar and it brings up the 50 for Bangladesh! Slanting across off, on a good length, Soumya Sarkar gets a half stride out and drives it on the up though the cover-point gap for a cracking boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 49/0

T Hasan19 (28)

S Sarkar20 (20)

Ghazanfar4-0-25-0

7.60

Good length just outside off. Tanzid Hasan works it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

7.54

FOUR! Nicely played! Bangladesh off to a flier here! Pitched full and pushed through around off, Tanzid Hasan gets on the front foot and lofts it over the in-field over covers for a boundary.

7.40

Short in length, and outside off, Tanzid Hasan cuts it off the back foot. Omarzai at cover-point dives to his left and intercepts the ball.

7.34

FOUR! Good shot! Full in length with barely any turn on it, around off, Tanzid Hasan lofts it inside-out and gets a boundary at deep covers. It lands just on the full ahead of the boundary cushions.

7.20

Looped up, full and outside off, Tanzid Hasan strides across and pats it in front of point.

7.10

Length, turning away from off, Tanzid Hasan punches it off the back foot to cover-point.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 41/0

S Sarkar20 (20)

T Hasan11 (22)

A Omarzai1-0-4-0

6.60

Good length, across off, driven straight to covers.

6.52

Full and angling on middle and leg, Soumya Sarkar picks it up with no real timing and gets it just over the mid on fielder for a couple of runs.

6.41

Back of a length, around off, Tanzid Hasan punches it between cover and mid off for a quick single.

6.30

Good length shaping back in. Tanzid steps down the track and gets beaten on the outside edge.

6.21

Good fielding effort there by Rahmat Shah. Full and angling on the pads, Soumya Sarkar flicks it solidly to deep backward square leg. The ball is cut off by Rahmat who runs and dives to his left to save three for his side.

6.10

Starts off with a slip in place and lands it on a back of a length, outside off, Soumya Sarkar presses ahead and pats it to short cover.

The first change in bowling from Afghanistan. Azmatullah Omarzai replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 37/0

S Sarkar17 (16)

T Hasan10 (20)

Ghazanfar3-0-17-0

5.61

Identical line and length, Soumya Sarkar gets his front foot out of the way and drives it inside-out to widish long off for a single to end the over. A much better one for Afghanistan. Just a couple of singles from it.

5.50

Just around off, full in length, Soumya Sarkar strides across and blocks it to point.

5.40

Pitched up, fuller and tossed up around off, Soumya Sarkar leans on and defends it out to short cover.

5.31

Spinning back in from outside off, on a nagging length, Tanzid Hasan punches it through covers for a single.

5.20

Outside off, on a good length, Tanzid Hasan goes deep inside the crease and plays the cut shot, finds the fielder at point.

5.10

Tossed up, nice and full, around off, jammed back to the bowler by Tanzid.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 35/0

T Hasan9 (17)

S Sarkar16 (13)

F Farooqi3-0-18-0

4.61

Pitched up, full and just outside off, Tanzid Hasan presses ahead and pats it through backward point for a single to end the over. A good one for Bangladesh.

4.51lb

Angling on the leg stump line, Soumya Sarkar misses to connect on the flick shot and it goes off his front pad to wide of square leg for a single.

4.44

FOUR! Two-in-two for Sarkar and he is sprinkling salt on the opposition's wounds. A genuine half-volley on off, Soumya Sarkar just clears his front leg and tonks it over the bowler's head for a boundary on the bounce.

4.34

FOUR! Glorious shot that from Sarkar! Pitched up, searching for some swing, but it comes straight on the bat. Soumya Sarkar takes a huge stride ahead and drives it crisply through cover-point for a cracking four.

4.20

Good length and just outside off, Soumya Sarkar gets on the back foot and defends to the off side.

4.25wd

FIVE WIDES! This is frustrating for Afghanistan! Wayward down leg, Soumya Sarkar misses to tickle it away and the ball races to the deep fine fence.

4.11lb

Good length and going down the leg side. It brushes off Tanzid's pads on the way to fine leg. They cross.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 19/0

T Hasan8 (15)

S Sarkar8 (9)

Ghazanfar2-0-15-0

3.61

IN THE AIR...DROPPED! Oh, dear! This time, the Afghan skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi is the culprit. Length-delivery, pitching outside off. Tanzid again looks to play the slog sweep and gets a top edge. The ball swirls up in the sky over square leg. Shahidi runs after it, stretches his hands out on the ball but spills it eventually. They cross. Two opportunities grassed by Afghanistan in the early stages of the game.

3.50

Nicely tossed up on off, pushed to short cover by Tanzid.

3.44

FOUR! First boundary of the match and for Tanzid Hasan! Pushed through just outside off, and fuller in length, Tanzid Hasan picks the length early and sits down on his knee. Slogs it over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

3.30

A smidge short in length, Tanzid goes back and pats it to cover.

3.20

Spins back sharply from outside off, on a good length. Tanzid works it to square leg.

3.12

Short and flat on off, Tanzid Hasan hangs back and cuts it through cover-point. The ball trickles toward he fence but is cut off by Azmatullah Omarzai. Saves two for his side.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 12/0

S Sarkar8 (9)

T Hasan1 (9)

F Farooqi2-0-4-0

2.60

Nice and full around off, slower too, Soumya Sarkar prods ahead and drives it to mid off.

2.50

Full and outside the off stump, this is played straight to point.

2.40

An appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested. This one comes back with the angle into the batter. Full and sliding on the leg stump line. Soumya Sarkar is a bit late to jam his bat down and wears it on the front pad. The replays show that Sarkar got an inside edge onto the pad and hence, Shahidi does not opt for a review.

2.31

Short and wide outside off, Tanzid Hasan slashes hard at it again, and gets an outside edge that runs to the right of deep third for a single.

2.20

DROPPED! That should have been caught! Wasn't that difficult chance at this level. Outside off, on a good length, Tanzid Hasan doesn't move his feet at all and hangs his bat away from the body. A healthy outside edge is found and it goes flat and low towards Gulbadin Naib at the first slip. He bends low to his right to grab it but the ball burst through his palms.

2.10

An attempt to attack, but beaten! Good-length delivery outside off, Tanzid Hasan charges down the track and throws his arms to go over cover but misses.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 11/0

S Sarkar8 (6)

T Hasan0 (6)

Ghazanfar1-0-8-0

1.60

Darts it on a good length, around off, Soumya Sarkar hangs back and punches it to the cover region.

1.50

Nice and full, gets it to spin back into the batter, Soumya Sarkar prods forward and blocks it out.

1.42

Excellent running this from the two openers. Full in length and in front of the pegs, Soumya Sarkar tilts ahead and flicks it with his wrists toward deep square leg for a brace.

1.32

Very slow and curving away from the batter, full and on off, Soumya Sarkar goes for a cover drive but it goes off the outside edge towards deep third for a couple of more runs.

1.22

Pushed through, full and on the middle and leg, Soumya Sarkar flicks it along the ground through mid-wicket and hares back for another couple of runs.

1.12

Starts from around the wickets, lands it on a good length, on off and middle, Soumya Sarkar hangs back and tucks it through wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs. First runs off the bat for Bangladesh.

It will be spin from the other end as AM Ghazanfar is ready to share the attack.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 3/0

T Hasan0 (6)

S Sarkar0 (0)

F Farooqi1-0-3-0

0.60

A dot to end the first over. Much fuller and outside off, this is driven to short cover by Tanzid. A good start by Fazalhaq Farooqi. Bangladesh are 3/0.

0.50

Full and outside off, Tanzid Hasan drives it straight to cover.

0.53wd

THREE WIDES! A rare loosener from Farooqi. Full but wayward down leg, Tanzid Hasan misses to flick it away. The ball evades the diving wicket-keeper to his right and rolls towards the deep fine fence. It is cut off by the fielder in the deep who runs to his left from deep backward square leg. Two taken.

0.40

This is much straight and on the back of a length, on the top of off, Tanzid Hasan gets behind the line of the ball and punches it right underneath his bat.

0.30

Width again, good length, leaving the batter. Tanzid Hasan stays rooted in his crease and tries to slash the cut shot but gets beaten again.

0.20

Some outswing again, on a good length with a little bit of width outside off. Tanzid Hasan shapes to play the square cut but misses.

0.10

On the money, is Fazalhaq Farooqi. Gets a gentle outswing on a fullish length, just outside off, Tanzid Hasan gets on the front foot and drives it straight to cover.

We are all set to start the decider! The Afghanistan players are making their way out to the middle and spread out to take their respective field positions. Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar are the two openers for Bangladesh. Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja is pitchside. He says that it is a brand new pitch, but its nature looks the same and it is quite dry as well. There's not much sheen on it and has some assistance for the bowling side. Adds that hitting the right lengths with variations might help the bowlers. Reckons anything above 230 would be a good total. Also states that building partnerships would be key while chasing the total.

The captain of Afghanistan, Hashmatullah Shahidi says that the pitch is new and dry and the ball will spin from the first ball. Reckons that chasing the target will be tough. They will try to do well today. Adds that in the last game, the pitch was difficult but they will have to adapt to the conditions better. Concludes that they are going with the same team.

The stand-in skipper of Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan says that they will bat first. Adds that the wicket looks better in the first innings as we have seen in the last couple of games. Mentions that it is a great achievement for him to play in his 100th ODI. Informs they have made a couple of changes.

Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan (In for Najmul Hossain Shanto), Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali (WK), Nahid Rana (In for Taskin Ahmed and On Debut), Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

TOSS UPDATE - Bangladesh have won the coin flip and elected to BAT first. As Najmul Hossain Shanto is unavailable for this 3rd ODI due to a Grade 2 tear in his groin area, MEHIDY HASAN will lead Bangladesh as the stand-in skipper.