Afghanistan Beats Bangladesh in Rain-Interrupted Match

In a rain-affected clash, Afghanistan displayed superb bowling skills to defeat Bangladesh by 17 runs and secure a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. The match in Chattogram witnessed three interruptions due to rain, with a total suspension of three hours and 15 minutes, eventually resulting in a 43-over contest. However, even that was cut short as a final downpour at 9.33pm forced the players off the field. At that point, Afghanistan stood at 83 for 2 in 21.4 overs, comfortably surpassing the DLS par score and claiming victory.

Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the standout bowler for Afghanistan, continuing his impressive form from last year’s ODI series at the same venue. He took three crucial wickets for 24 runs. Afghanistan’s spin trio, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, also exerted pressure on Bangladesh, contributing five wickets for 69 runs in their combined 24 overs.

Bangladesh had moments of relief with 24 extras and three dropped catches by Afghanistan. However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Apart from Towhid Hridoy’s resilient knock, securing his third ODI fifty, the rest of the batting lineup provided little support. Bangladesh suffered several soft dismissals, collapsing from a promising 103 for 3 to a final total of 169 for 9 in their allotted 43 overs.

Credit must be given to the dedicated groundstaff at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, who
tirelessly managed the large tarps covering the 30-yard circle to protect it from the rain. Their efforts deserve high praise. Additionally, the near capacity crowd deserves recognition for their unwavering support throughout the game, despite the lack of overhead cover at the ground. Spectators had to rush to the staircases to shield themselves from the rain sweeping in from the south.