On October 14, Afghanistan made an emphatic statement against Bangladesh, winning by a colossal 200 runs in the third and final ODI held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Afghan team posted a formidable total of 293 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, showcasing a masterful batting performance.
Afghanistan's bowlers then dismantled the Bangladesh lineup, bowling them out for a mere 93 runs in just 27.1 overs. Young pacer Bilal Sami was the star of the match, claiming an impressive 5 wickets for 33 runs in his second ODI appearance, while veteran spinner Rashid Khan contributed significantly with figures of 3 for 12.
This victory not only highlighted Afghanistan's strength but also set a record, making them the first team to win an ODI by more than 200 runs at this venue, as the previous record was held by South Africa.
| Match | Year | Winning Margin (Runs) |
|---|
| Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | 2024 | 200 |
| South Africa vs Ireland | 2024 | 174 |
In the context of Afghanistan's ODI history, their largest victory margin remains at 232 runs against Zimbabwe, achieved back in December 2024. Bilal Sami’s achievement of being the second specialist pacer from Afghanistan to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs further cements his status in the cricketing world.
As the Afghan cricket team continues to rise, fans can look forward to more extraordinary performances in the future. Stay tuned for the latest updates and news in the cricketing world!