Bangladesh’s batting collapse hands series to Afghanistan

Bangladesh’s batting collapse overshadowed a strong bowling display as they suffered a 81-run defeat to Afghanistan in the second ODI at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Stadium, conceding the three-match series with one game remaining.

Chasing a modest 191, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 109, undone by Rashid Khan’s devastating spell of 5 for 17. The Tigers slumped to 50 for 4 after losing Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hasan, and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz early. Brief resistance from Towhid Hridoy (24) and Zakir Ali (18) ended when Rashid ripped through the lower order, sealing Bangladesh’s fourth consecutive ODI series defeat and their tenth loss in the last eleven matches.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers had restricted Afghanistan to 190 — their lowest total at this venue. Captain Mehidy Hasan led the attack with 3 for 42, while spinners Tanvir Islam and Rishad Hossain provided solid support.

For Afghanistan, opener Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with a composed 95 off 140 balls before falling just short of a century. Despite their disciplined bowling effort, Bangladesh’s frail batting once again proved costly, handing Afghanistan a comfortable series win.