**Afghanistan Triumph Over Bangladesh by 81 Runs in 2nd ODI at Abu Dhabi**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 12, 2025 01:14 AM*
Afghanistan secured a commanding 81-run victory against Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series held in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring a resilient 95 runs off 140 balls, including three boundaries and a six. However, Afghanistan’s progress was hindered by regular wickets falling at the other end.
### Match Summary
Bangladesh struggled to keep up with the target, largely due to a devastating five-wicket haul from Rashid Khan, who dismantled their batting lineup as they were bowled out for just 109 runs.
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### Afghanistan’s Batting: Early Wickets Put Pressure On
Afghanistan lost three batsmen inside the first powerplay, which disrupted their innings momentum. Except for Zadran’s stellar performance, the batting lineup struggled to build partnerships.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempted an aggressive start by attacking Tanzim Hasan early on but was caught at deep square leg boundary in the fifth over. Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply in the ninth over, trapped by left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam with a catch at long-on.
To add to Afghanistan’s woes, Rahmat Shah sustained a calf injury in the 15th over, further weakening their batting strength.
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### Bangladesh’s Bowling Strategy: Tight Containment in Middle Overs
Despite Zadran’s steady innings, Bangladesh applied tight bowling during the middle overs, allowing only two boundaries between the 13th and 30th overs. Zadran and Mohammad Nabi batted together for over 10 overs but couldn’t accelerate the innings significantly.
Nabi was dismissed after scoring 22 runs, offering an easy catch to Mehidy Hasan Miraz at cover.
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### Key Moments: Mehidy Hasan’s Triple Wicket Impact
Mehidy Hasan played a crucial role by taking three important wickets, including that of Zadran. Tanzim Hasan was caught following a sharp throw from the deep field, ending Nangeyalia Kharote’s stay. Mehidy finished off the over by dismissing Rashid Khan.
Afghan batsman AM Ghazanfar attacked Mustafizur Rahman aggressively in the 41st over, scoring two fours and a six, making it a 16-run over.
Zadran’s innings ended in the 44th over when Rishad Hossain pulled off a brilliant catch at deep midwicket, giving Mehidy his third wicket of the match.
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### Player Highlights and Stats
**Mehidy Hasan’s Milestone:**
Mehidy Hasan’s 3/42 took his ODI wicket tally to 117 from 110 matches, at an average of 36.47. Against Afghanistan specifically, he has 17 wickets from 16 matches at an average of 33.47.
**Ibrahim Zadran’s Consistency:**
Zadran’s 95 runs from 140 balls included three fours and one six. He has amassed 1,778 runs from 38 matches with a strong average of 50.68, including 8 fifties and 6 centuries. According to ESPNcricinfo, Zadran has scored 376 runs from 8 matches at an average of 53.71 against Bangladesh, making this his third fifty-plus score against them.
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### Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse: Lack of Momentum
Bangladesh’s innings lacked momentum throughout. Towhid Hridoy top-scored with 24 runs but squandered his wicket. The Tigers never managed to mount a significant challenge and ultimately succumbed to Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
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### Rashid Khan’s Maiden Five-Wicket Haul Against Bangladesh
Rashid Khan’s remarkable five-wicket haul saw his ODI wickets rise to 207 from 116 matches at an average of 19.87 and an economy rate of 4.21. This was his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs and his sixth four-wicket performance. Against Bangladesh, Rashid now boasts 32 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 20.65.
Notably, this was Rashid’s maiden five-wicket haul specifically against Bangladesh. Playing in the UAE has been fruitful for him, where he has 66 wickets from 26 matches at an exceptional average of 13.03, including three five-wicket hauls.
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### Did You Know?
– **Second Afghan Bowler with an ODI Fifer Against Bangladesh:**
Rashid Khan is now only the second Afghan bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in ODIs. The only other is young all-rounder Allah Ghazanfar, who claimed a spectacular 6/26.
– **Bangladesh’s Lowest ODI Total Against Afghanistan:**
Bangladesh’s 109 all out is their lowest ODI score against Afghanistan. Their previous lowest was 119, also against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi back in 2018.
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Afghanistan’s comprehensive win in the second ODI sets up an exciting decider in the final match of the series. Both teams will be eager to make their mark as the competition intensifies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/2nd-odi-zadran-and-rashid-shine-as-afg-trump-bangladesh/story
