PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED
Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran both scored hundreds as Afghanistan crushed Bangladesh by 142 runs on Saturday to seal their three-match one-day international series.
The victory makes Afghanistan just the second team to win an ODI series in Bangladesh in the past seven years after world champions England. It was also Afghanistan’s biggest win against Bangladesh in ODIs.
“Obviously very happy with how it’s going, the way they played the shots,” Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott told reporters after the match. “We were going to bat first as well, having looked at the weather… The way they played, it’s natural.”
Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said during a post-match presentation that it was a great performance from his team.
“I thought the wicket was not that easy but we put a good score on the board. From the last series, our bowlers were not bowling in the right areas. But all the players sacrificed Eid for this series. We were in Abu Dhabi working on ourselves. From the last few years we have built this team and improving with every series. Hopefully we will do well in Asia Cup and World Cup,” said Shahidi.
Afghanistan put up a formidable 331 for 9 in their 50 overs, banking on record 256-run opening stand between Gurbaz and Zadran.
Gurbaz struck 13 fours and eight sixes in his 125-ball stay, and was particularly destructive in his final 25 balls off which he smacked 45 runs. Later he was adjudged player-of-the-match.
“The pitch was good for batting. It was planned from the coach and captain. Few matches, I was in a bit of a hurry. This match, I took my time. I read the conditions and then it was easier for me. I think credit goes to him [Zadran] as well. The way he played, he is in good form and he is a very good player. Got so much support from him,” said Gurbaz.
