Ghazanfar's Six-For Leads Afghanistan to Stunning Victory Over Bangladesh

In a thrilling encounter, Afghanistan clinched a commanding 92-run victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a phenomenal bowling performance by Amir Ghazanfar. Recording a career-best 6 for 26, Ghazanfar dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup, transforming the match's complexion in a matter of overs. This remarkable feat came after crucial half-centuries from Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi, who rescued Afghanistan from early trouble to post a competitive total.

Afghanistan's Resilient 235-Run Effort

The match began with Afghanistan batting first, but they found themselves in a precarious position at 71 for 5 after 20 overs. Bangladesh's pace duo, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, were instrumental in this early collapse, each claiming four wickets and applying significant pressure on Afghanistan's top order. However, the experience and composure of Nabi and Shahidi came to the fore as they embarked on a rebuilding mission.
Nabi, known for his aggressive stroke play, scored a scintillating 84 off 79 balls. His innings was laced with boundary shots, including powerful sixes over deep midwicket that lifted the team's morale. Shahidi, on the other hand, adopted a more cautious approach. His 52 off 92 balls was a lesson in patience and shot selection, as he focused on rotating the strike and anchoring the innings.
Their partnership of 104 runs was the bedrock of Afghanistan's innings. It not only stabilized the situation but also shifted the momentum. The duo cleverly negotiated Bangladesh's bowling attack, capitalizing on loose deliveries and running hard between the wickets to maximize scoring opportunities.

Key Moments in Afghanistan's Innings

Nabi's intent was clear from the outset. Facing Rishad Hossain, he launched his sixth delivery over deep midwicket for a massive six, setting the tone for his innings. He repeated this feat against the same bowler, showcasing his dominance against spin. During this period, Bangladesh missed an opportunity to dismiss Shahidi when they opted not to review a close appeal for a caught behind, which replays later showed could have been successful.
There were moments of fortune for Nabi as well. In the 34th over, an LBW appeal against him was turned down, and Bangladesh chose not to review—another missed chance that could have altered the course of the innings. Additionally, a mistimed shot in the 37th over narrowly avoided being caught, and an outside edge off Mahmudullah's bowling streaked through the vacant slip region, further frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Shahidi reached his half-century in the 38th over, taking 87 balls to get there. His innings was crucial in providing stability, allowing Nabi the freedom to play his natural game. The duo's efforts took Afghanistan past the 200-run mark, setting a foundation for a defendable total.

Bangladesh's Missed Opportunities

Bangladesh's fielding lapses played a significant role in Afghanistan's recovery. Substitute wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil dropped Najmul Hossain Shanto on 21, a mistake that would later prove costly. Mohammad Nabi was also given a lifeline when Mehidy Hasan Miraz dropped him on 37. These missed chances not only allowed Afghanistan to add valuable runs but also seemed to affect Bangladesh's morale on the field.

Chasing 236, Bangladesh started their innings with confidence. The openers looked steady, and at one point, the score was 120 for 2 in the 26th over. With eight wickets in hand and plenty of overs remaining, Bangladesh appeared to be in control. However, the match took a dramatic turn when Mohammad Nabi introduced a tactical field change that paid immediate dividends.