AFGHANISTAN THRASH BANGALADESH BY 92 RUNS, SEAL SERIES SUCCESS

Sharjah: Afghanistan registered a resounding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the series-deciding third One Day International (ODI) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, sealing their 2-1 series win.

The Afghani team dominated the match, with the batting line-up firing in unison to post a total of 246/5 in 48.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star performer for Afghanistan, scoring an unbeaten century off just 95 deliveries, while Azmatullah Omarzai added 70 runs to help his team surpass Bangladesh's score.

In response, Bangladesh struggled to get going, but a defiant partnership between Mahmudullah and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped them claw back into the match. Mahmudullah top-scored with 98 runs off 114 deliveries, while Mehidy contributed 66 to bring Bangladesh within striking distance of Afghanistan's total.

However, it was not to be for the Tigers, as Afghanistan's pace attack, spearheaded by Omarzai's four wickets, broke through Bangladesh's lower order. In the end, Afghanistan emerged victorious on a pitch that favoured their spinners.

The match marked a significant victory for Afghanistan, who had trailed 1-0 in the series after losing the first ODI. The win cements their status as one of the top teams in One Day Internationals. For Bangladesh, this was a disappointing performance, especially in the final nail-biter match, which will surely be remembered for years to come.

The match will serve as a confidence booster for Afghanistan, ahead of their upcoming challenges, and a setback for Bangladesh, who must bounce back quickly for their next international assignment.