In a record-breaking victory, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 142 runs in the second ODI of the series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on July 8. This win secured Afghanistan’s largest margin of victory (in terms of runs) against Bangladesh, surpassing their previous 136-run win in 2018. It also sealed Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI series win over Bangladesh.
Batting first, Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, laid a strong foundation by adding 67 runs in the first 10 overs. They continued to dominate, with Gurbaz reaching his fifty off 48 balls and eventually his third ODI century. The pair set a new record for the highest opening partnership for Afghanistan, amassing 256 runs. However, Bangladesh staged a strong comeback at this point.
They restricted Afghanistan to only 75 runs in the last 14 overs by consistently taking wickets. Ebadot Hossain dismissed Rahmat Shah immediately after Gurbaz’s wicket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then bowled Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Despite Ibrahim Zadran scoring his fourth ODI hundred off 118 balls, he fell shortly after achieving the milestone to Mustafzur Rahman, who also dismissed Azmatullah Omarzai later in the innings.
Chasing a daunting target, Bangladesh struggled from the start, losing early wickets including their captain, Liton Das, during the powerplay. After Liton Das, the Tigers lost their top order batters, Mohammad Naim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, during the powerplay itself. Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy then formed a partnership to rebuild the innings, but it quickly crumbled when Rashid Khan came on to bowl, taking wickets of Hridoy and Afif. Shakib also fell victim to Mohammad Nabi, getting trapped in front of the stumps.
The only notable partnership emerged between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan, who added 87 runs for the 7th wicket. Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman frustrated the Afghan bowlers for some time, but Farooqi dismissed the experienced Bangladeshi wicket-keeper batter as Afghanistan once again wrapped up Bangladesh before their allotted 50 overs in the series.