Afghanistan Bowlers Blow Away Bangladesh as Rashid Khan Stars in Seven-Wicket Win

Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance with both bat and ball to defeat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 2026 ODI tri-series in the United Arab Emirates on October 21. The victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium eliminated Bangladesh from the tournament and secured Afghanistan’s place in the final against Zimbabwe.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with figures of 4 for 31, while Yamin Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai claimed two wickets apiece. After dismissing Bangladesh for 160, Afghanistan completed the chase comfortably, with captain Rahmat Shah scoring an unbeaten 67.

Yamin Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai Rock Bangladesh’s Top Order

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings quickly fell apart against Afghanistan’s disciplined new-ball attack.

Yamin Ahmadzai struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar on consecutive deliveries. Azmatullah Omarzai then removed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy to leave Bangladesh struggling at 28 for four inside seven overs.

The early wickets put Bangladesh under enormous pressure and forced the middle order to rebuild rather than attack freely.

Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan responded with a determined partnership, combining patience with timely scoring to revive the innings. Their 93-run stand for the fifth wicket carried Bangladesh to 121 for four and briefly offered hope of a competitive total.

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Rashid Khan Dismantles Bangladesh’s Lower Order

Mohammad Nabi broke the partnership by dismissing Saif Hassan for 41 off 82 deliveries. Bangladesh then struggled to maintain their recovery as Afghanistan’s spinners tightened their control.

Rashid Khan took charge during the latter stages of the innings, removing key batters and exposing the lower order. He dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon for a fighting 70 off 96 balls before completing his four-wicket haul as Bangladesh were bowled out for 160 in 41.2 overs.

Emon’s innings included five fours and two sixes, making him Bangladesh’s leading scorer. Saif’s 41 was the only other substantial contribution.

Rashid finished with 4 for 31, while Yamin Ahmadzai returned 2 for 21 and Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 2 for 27. Afghanistan’s bowlers ensured Bangladesh lost their final six wickets after reaching 121 for four, leaving the team with a below-par total.

Afghanistan Chase Down 161 Despite Early Wickets

Bangladesh needed early breakthroughs to defend their modest target, and Taskin Ahmed gave them some encouragement by removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal.

Afghanistan were 39 for two in the seventh over, creating an opportunity for Bangladesh to put further pressure on the chasing side.

However, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah steadied the innings with a 56-run partnership. Zadran contributed 34 from 48 balls before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, but Afghanistan had already regained control of the chase.

Rahmat remained composed throughout, rotating the strike and capitalising on scoring opportunities without taking unnecessary risks.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi Seal the Victory

After Ibrahim Zadran’s dismissal, Rahmat Shah found a reliable partner in Hashmatullah Shahidi.

The pair put together an unbeaten 66-run partnership to guide Afghanistan to 161 for three in 35.3 overs. Rahmat finished on 67 not out from 90 balls, while Shahidi contributed an unbeaten 36.

Their partnership removed any remaining uncertainty from the chase, with Afghanistan finishing seven wickets ahead and 87 balls to spare.

Rahmat’s innings was particularly important after the early wickets, as he ensured the team avoided another collapse and reached the target with control.

Bangladesh Eliminated From the ODI Tri-Series

The defeat ended Bangladesh’s campaign in the UAE ODI tri-series. Their inability to recover from the early collapse proved costly, despite Emon and Saif giving the innings some stability.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, secured their place in the final, where they are scheduled to face Zimbabwe.

The result highlighted the difference between the teams’ performances in Sharjah. Afghanistan combined early seam movement with effective spin bowling, then relied on an experienced captain to manage the chase.

For Bangladesh, the match raised further concerns about their top-order consistency and ability to recover after losing early wickets.

Match Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh

Team	Score
Bangladesh	160 all out in 41.2 overs
Afghanistan	161/3 in 35.3 overs
Result	Afghanistan won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match	Rashid Khan — 4/31

Top performers

• Parvez Hossain Emon: 70 off 96 balls
• Saif Hassan: 41 off 82 balls
• Rashid Khan: 4 wickets for 31 runs
• Yamin Ahmadzai: 2 wickets for 21 runs
• Azmatullah Omarzai: 2 wickets for 27 runs
• Rahmat Shah: 67 not out off 90 balls
• Hashmatullah Shahidi: 36 not out

Conclusion

Afghanistan’s seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh was built on an outstanding bowling display led by Rashid Khan and supported by Yamin Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai. Bangladesh’s top order collapsed early, and despite a determined partnership between Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan, the team could manage only 160.

Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten half-century then guided Afghanistan to a comfortable victory and a place in the tri-series final against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh’s elimination leaves Afghanistan looking ahead to the final with momentum from a convincing all-round performance.