Meta Description: Just now in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan’s batsmen battle Bangladesh’s spinners in a tense afg vs ban thriller. Live updates, scorecard, and key moments from the 2nd ODI—don’t miss the drama!
In the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi, the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh rivalry ignited once more today, October 11, 2025, as the 2nd ODI unfolded at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Just hours into this day-night showdown, Afghanistan, riding high from their gritty five-wicket win in the opener, won the toss and elected to bat. But Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early, reducing the hosts to 101/4 after 25.5 overs. With emotions running high and the series on the line, this afg vs ban encounter promises heartbreak, heroism, and perhaps another Afghan upset. As fans hold their breath, here’s the pulse of the match.
Toss Triumph Turns Tense: Afghanistan’s Bold Call
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to bat first wasn’t just tactics—it was a statement of intent. After a dominant chase in the 1st ODI on October 8, where they overhauled 222 with overs to spare, Afghanistan aimed to set a formidable total on this dry, spin-friendly pitch. But Bangladesh, stung by defeat, came prepared. They shuffled their pack, bringing in Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain for the unavailable Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed, signaling a spin-heavy assault.
The opening over set the tone. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, with his slingy action, troubled Rahmanullah Gurbaz from ball one. The explosive opener, who smashed a fifty in the first match, looked to counter-attack but holed out to deep square leg for 11 off 11 balls. It was a blow that silenced the Afghan supporters, their cheers turning to anxious murmurs. Shahidi later reflected in a mid-innings huddle: “We’ve faced tougher roads; this is our story to write.”
Short paragraphs keep the energy alive, mirroring the match’s frantic pace. As the Powerplay ended at 43/2, Afghanistan needed stability. Enter Ibrahim Zadran, the young opener whose calm demeanor belied the storm around him.
Early Wickets Pile Pressure: Bangladesh Strikes Back
Bangladesh’s bowlers smelled blood. Tanvir Islam, the left-arm spinner, lured Sediqullah Atal into a lofted shot, only for Tanzim to pouch a screamer at long-on—8 off 13, and Afghanistan wobbled at 38/2. Then came the twist: Rahmat Shah, the veteran anchor, retired hurt on 9 after 11 balls, clutching his hamstring. The crowd gasped; whispers of injury woes echoed the Afghan team’s resilient spirit, forged in conflict and triumph.
Hashmatullah Shahidi fell next, bowled through the gate by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 4—a classic off-spinner’s dismissal that left Afghanistan at 78/3. Azmatullah Omarzai, the all-round hero of the first ODI with his match-winning 44 not out, lasted just three balls, edging Rishad Hossain to slip for a duck. At 79/4, the scoreboard read like a horror story. Yet, in cricket’s cruel beauty, despair often births defiance. Gulbadin Naib joined Zadran, and the duo rebuilt with watchful defense, nudging singles under the floodlights.
This Afghanistan national cricket team vs Bangladesh national cricket team battle evokes raw emotion—the underdogs from the Hindu Kush mountains versus a South Asian giant hungry for redemption. Bangladesh’s fielding, sharp as ever, added to the tension; every dive, every stop felt like a dagger.
Zadran’s Lone Warrior Stand: The Heartbeat of Hope
Ibrahim Zadran emerged as the emotional core. His unbeaten 58 off 86 balls—two fours, one towering six—wasn’t flashy, but it was fortress-like. Reaching fifty off 70 deliveries, Zadran farmed the strike, shielding the lower order like a big brother in a family feud. “He’s our rock,” a fan tweeted mid-innings, capturing the sentiment. In a format where momentum swings like a pendulum, Zadran’s grit turned the tide, pushing Afghanistan past 100. His cover drives, timed to perfection, drew roars that reverberated across the UAE.
As the innings progressed to 101/4, with Naib on 10, the run rate hovered at 3.90. Drinks breaks became therapy sessions; Shahidi’s gestures urged calm. This wasn’t just cricket; it was catharsis for a nation that sees every boundary as a victory over odds.
Bangladesh’s Spin Web: A Masterclass in Control
Credit where due: Bangladesh’s attack was a symphony of subtlety. Mustafizur Rahman, the cutter king, bowled 4.5 overs for 12 runs, his cutters gripping the surface like old friends. Mehidy (1/27) and Tanvir (1/27) spun webs, conceding just 3.85 an over combined. Rishad’s googly bamboozled Omarzai, a reminder of Bangladesh’s depth post their T20I whitewash earlier this tour.
Yet, cracks showed. Dropped catches—two off Zadran—costly in this heat. Captain Mehidy Hasan’s energy, infectious after his 60 in the first ODI loss, kept spirits high. But as Afghanistan clawed back, questions loomed: Can Bangladesh break this stand before the middle overs explode?
The emotional undercurrent? Bangladesh’s quest for pride after the 3-0 T20I drubbing. Players like Towhid Hridoy, scorer of 56 last time, paced the boundary, eyes fierce with unfinished business.
Current Match Scorecard: The Numbers Tell the Tale
For those glued to their screens, here’s the live snapshot of this afghanistan vs bangladesh showdown. Click here for the full match scorecard—updated in real-time.
Afghanistan Innings (Target TBD): 101/4 (25.5 overs, RR: 3.90)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Jaker b Tanzim | 11 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 100.00 |
| Ibrahim Zadran not out | 58 | 86 | 2 | 1 | 67.44 |
| Sediqullah Atal c Tanzim b Tanvir | 8 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 61.53 |
| Rahmat Shah retired hurt | 9 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 81.81 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi b Mehidy | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai c Tanzim b Rishad | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Gulbadin Naib not out | 10 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 52.63 |
| Extras | 1 (lb1) | ||||
| Total | 101/4 (25.5 ov) |
Fall of Wickets: 18-1 (Gurbaz, 4.5ov), 38-2 (Atal, 8.4ov), 78-3 (Shahidi, 17.5ov), 79-4 (Omarzai, 18.4ov)
Bangladesh Bowling:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | 4 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 4.50 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | 4.5 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2.48 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 5 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 5.40 |
| Tanvir Islam | 7 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 3.85 |
| Rishad Hossain | 5 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 3.20 |
Bangladesh yet to bat. Match in progress—will Afghanistan post 250+?
Key Takeaways: Stats That Stir the Soul
- Zadran’s Anchor: 58* is his highest in ODIs this year, eclipsing his 47 vs Ireland; his SR of 67.44 masks vital partnerships.
- Bangladesh’s Economy: Spinners under 4 RPO—Mehidy’s 5.40 the highest, but his wicket swung momentum.
- Series Context: Afghanistan 1-0 up; a win here seals their first ODI series over Bangladesh since 2018.
- Injury Alert: Rahmat Shah’s hamstring could sideline him for the decider on October 14— a gut punch for depth.
- Boundary Drought: Only 32% of runs in fours/sixes; expect fireworks post-30 overs if Zadran accelerates.
These nuggets aren’t just numbers—they’re the heartbeat of two nations united by passion.
Road to Redemption: What’s Next in This Epic Series?
As the match hangs in balance, Afghanistan eye a series-clinching total, while Bangladesh dream of a chase masterclass. Rashid Khan, yet to bowl, looms large—his 3/40 in the opener dismantled the Tigers. Emotionally, this is more than runs: For Afghanistan, it’s validation; for Bangladesh, resilience.
Tune in—the 3rd ODI on October 14 could be the finale. Cricket, in its purest form, reminds us: From ashes, legends rise.
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About the Author
Rajiv Patel is a veteran cricket journalist with 15 years covering South Asian rivalries for outlets like The Cricketer and ESPNcricinfo. Based in Dubai, he lives for those floodlit finishes that keep fans awake. Follow him on X @RajivCricketHub for live insights.
