Afghanistan national cricket team vs Bangladesh national cricket team match scorecard Cricket, of course, is a force that has united, and continues to unite, the hearts of various countries, and certainly it marks the sporting identity of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. From emerging teams to serious international contenders, both countries have had incredible cricketing journeys. The matches between Afghanistan national cricket team and Bangladesh national cricket team have been thrilling, full of talent, passion, and a healthy dose of unpredictability associated with cricket. This piece will go through the history of their rivalry, focusing on significant matches and scorecards that define it.
Early Encounters and Building Rivalries
It was on 1 March 2014 during the 2014 Asia Cup that Afghanistan played Bangladesh for its first official One Day International. The match, held at the Khan Sahib Usman Ali Stadium in Fatehullah, marked the start of a fierce and emerging cricketing rivalry. This Afghanistan team, relatively new to the cricketing world, surprised the veteran team, Bangladesh, with a staggering win of 32 runs.
Scorecard highlights
Afghanistan: 254/6 in 50 overs
Asghar Afghan and Samiullah Shinwari scored 90 and 81 respectively.
A disciplined performance from Afghanistan restricted Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: 222 all out in 47.5 overs
Momanul Haq’s 50 runs went in vain as the rest of the batting line-up collapsed under the pressure.
The victory not only established Afghanistan as a formidable opponent but also set the tone for future encounters between the two sides.
World Cup encounters
Afghanistan and Bangladesh face off in the prestigious ICC Cricket World Cup, their encounters further cementing their rivalry.
2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
The teams met on 18 February 2015 in Canberra, Australia. Bangladesh showed their experience at the world level by winning the encounter.
Scorecard highlights:
Bangladesh: 267/7 in 50 overs
Mushfiqur Rahim (71) and Shakib Al Hasan (63) played a key role in putting up a competitive total.
Afghanistan: 162 all out in 42.5 overs
Afghanistan were tested by disciplined bowling from Mashrafe Mortaza who took 3 for 20.
The win ensured Bangladesh’s supremacy but also marked Afghanistan as a force to be reckoned with, as they played with great heart despite being the newcomers.
2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
The next World Cup match was played at Southampton, England on 24 June 2019. This time the match was a low-scoring thriller.
Scorecard highlights:
Bangladesh: 262/7 in 50 overs
Shakib Al Hasan all-around played fantastically as he made 51 runs and took 5 wickets.
Afghanistan: 200 all out in 47 overs
Despite great effort by Samiullah Shinwari and Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan still had 62 runs short of Bangladesh.
The game demonstrated how the two teams fought with each other with all-round depth of Bangladesh prevailing against Afghanistan’s grit.
T20 International Showdown
There were some nail-biting performances from Afghanistan and Bangladesh during the shortest format of the game. Both teams possess firebrand players who can totally reverse the game within a couple of overs.
2018 T20I series in Dehradun, India
In June 2018, Afghanistan hosted Bangladesh for three matches of T20I and saw a 3-0 whitewash of Bangladesh.
Some Key Matches
The First T20I, Afghanistan won by 45 runs.
Afghanistan 167/8 in 20 overs
Bangladesh: 122 all out in 19 overs
Rashid Khan’s 3/13 was the highlight.
Second T20I: Afghanistan won by 6 wickets.
Bangladesh: 134/8 in 20 overs
Afghanistan: 135/4 in 18.5 overs
Mohammad Nabi’s all-round performance sealed the win.
Third T20I: Afghanistan won by 1 run.
Afghanistan: 145/6 in 20 overs
Bangladesh: 144/6 in 20 overs
Rashid Khan’s spirited final over defended a narrow target.
Thus, the clean sweep was a pronouncement of Afghanistan’s dominance in T20 cricket and sealed Rashid Khan’s position as one of the best bowlers in the world.
ODI series: Classic encounters.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have had several bilateral ODI series, each of which has something special for the fans.
2016 ODI series in Bangladesh
In September 2016, Afghanistan visited Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series. Bangladesh won the series 2-1, but Afghanistan’s performance won them many fans.
Key matches:
First ODI: Bangladesh won by 7 runs.
Bangladesh: 265/7 in 50 overs
Afghanistan: 258 all out in 50 overs
Tamim Iqbal’s century and Rashid Khan’s 4/37 were the highlights.
Second ODI: Afghanistan won by 2 wickets.
Bangladesh: 208 all out in 49.2 overs
Afghanistan: 212/8 in 49.4 overs
Mohammad Nabi’s all-round performance was the highlight.
Third ODI: Bangladesh won by 141 runs.
Bangladesh: 279/8 in 50 overs
Afghanistan: 138 all out in 33.5 overs
Taskeen Ahmed’s 4/37 sealed the series for Bangladesh.
2022 ODI series in Bangladesh
Another series Bangladesh hosted Afghanistan in February 2022. The series was 2-1 in favor of Bangladesh, but not without drama and excitement.
Important matches:
First ODI: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets.
Afghanistan: 215/6 in 50 overs
Bangladesh: 219/6 in 48.5 overs
Liton Das’ 86 proved crucial.
Second ODI: Bangladesh won by 88 runs.
Bangladesh: 306/4 in 50 overs
Afghanistan: 218 all out in 45.1 overs
Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das laid an initial platform with their partnership.
3rd ODI : Afghanistan won by 7 wkts.
Bangladesh 192 all out in 46.5 overs
Afghanistan 193/3 in 40.1 overs
Rahmanullah Gurbaz ensured winning hand comfortably.
Rise in rivalry and future hopes.
This is an Afghanistan-Bangladesh rivalry that has grown in years. What once were one-sided games are now fought to the core.
There is some of the exceptional talent seen on the side of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim leading their respective teams.
Why this rivalry matters.
Emerging Teams: Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh are symbols of cricket’s rise to non-traditional powerhouses, encouraging other countries to invest in the game.
Fan Engagement: These matches are celebrated events in both countries, bringing communities together in support of their respective teams.
Talent Development: The rivalry has produced players who can perform at the global level and add depth to international cricket.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Bangladesh national cricket team match scorecard cricket rivalry is a testament to the game’s ability to transcend its traditional heartlands. Their matches, full of drama and unpredictability, continue to captivate fans all over the world. As both these teams prepare for future encounters, one thing is certain: the cricketing world can expect more thrilling scorecards and unforgettable moments. Be it ODIs, T20Is, or even Test matches in the future, this rivalry is set to grow stronger, cementing cricket’s legacy.
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