Bangladesh faces series defeat after Gurbaz's century

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s impressive all-round performance overshadowed Mahmudullah’s stellar innings as Bangladesh fell to a five-wicket loss in the decisive third ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE, on Monday.

Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target of 245, securing victory with five wickets in hand and 10 balls remaining. This defeat meant Bangladesh lost the series 1-2, marking Afghanistan's second consecutive ODI series victory over Bangladesh and their second successive ODI series win, following their triumph over South Africa at this venue in September.

Defending the target, Bangladesh gained their first breakthrough in the eighth over when debutant Nahid Rana, currently regarded as one of the country’s fastest bowlers, dismissed Sediqullah Atal (14) with a 147 kph delivery that angled in from around the wicket. The ball seamed back in sharply, piercing through a gap between Atal’s bat and pad to clip the off stump, leaving the keeper awestruck by its pace and bounce.

Mustafizur Rahman followed up by removing Rahmat Shah (8) with a simple caught and bowled, then claimed Hashmatullah Shahidi (6), reducing Afghanistan to 84/3 in the 21st over. However, centurion Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai stabilized the innings, building a crucial 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Gurbaz registered his eighth ODI century with an aggressive yet calculated knock, which, supported by Omarzai, put Afghanistan in control. Shortly after reaching his hundred, Gurbaz was dismissed by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan, scoring 101 from 120 balls with seven sixes and five boundaries.

Nahid Rana returned to the attack to remove Gulbadin Naib, giving Bangladesh hope for a late comeback. However, Omarzai, who had earlier taken four wickets, continued his excellent form, combining with veteran Mohammad Nabi to guide Afghanistan to victory and seal the series.

Omarzai finished unbeaten on 70, striking three boundaries and five sixes, while Nabi contributed 34 not out.

Earlier in the match, Mahmudullah’s brilliant 98 off 98 balls helped Bangladesh post a respectable total of 244/8. Mahmudullah, run out on the final delivery while attempting a second run, struck seven fours and three sixes to reach his 29th ODI fifty, lifting Bangladesh after they were struggling at 72/4 in the 15th over. His 145-run partnership with Mehidy Hasan (66 off 119 balls) was key to the innings.

With Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto ruled out due to a groin strain, Mehidy led the side in his absence. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai took four wickets, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi each claimed one.