Cricket is more than just a sport in many parts of the world—it’s a passion, a unifying force, and a stage for unforgettable moments. When the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, fans are treated to a spectacle of grit, strategy, and raw talent. These two teams, both rising stars in international cricket, have built a rivalry that’s as exciting as it is unpredictable. In this article, we’ll dive into their head-to-head encounters, focusing on key matches, memorable performances, and a detailed scorecard from one of their most thrilling clashes—the 1st ODI of their 2024 series in Sharjah. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to the game, this piece will break down the action in a way that’s easy to follow and fun to read.

The Rise of Two Cricketing Nations

Before we get to the scorecard, let’s set the stage. Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard are two teams that have defied expectations in world cricket. Bangladesh, once considered underdogs, have become a formidable force, especially in limited-overs formats. They’ve notched up wins against top teams like India, Australia, and England, particularly at home. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is a newer player on the global stage. Since gaining ODI status in 2009 and Test status in 2017, they’ve shown remarkable progress, thanks to superstars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Their rivalry, which began in 2014, has grown into one of cricket’s most exciting matchups, with both teams bringing flair and determination to the field.

This rivalry isn’t just about runs and wickets—it’s about two nations proving their mettle. Afghanistan’s fearless approach and Bangladesh’s resilience make every game a nail-biter. From their first ODI clash in the 2014 Asia Cup to their recent battles in the 2024 T20 World Cup and ODI series, each match adds a new chapter to this evolving story.

A Memorable Clash: The 1st ODI in Sharjah, November 2024

One of the standout matches in this rivalry was the 1st ODI of the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh series on November 6, 2024, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This game had everything: dramatic collapses, heroic batting, and a masterclass in spin bowling. Let’s break it down, starting with the context and then diving into the full scorecard.

Match Context

The Sharjah match was the opener of a three-match ODI series, with both teams eager to set the tone. Afghanistan, coming off a strong 2023 World Cup where they defeated teams like England and Pakistan, were brimming with confidence. Bangladesh, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, were looking to bounce back after a mixed Asia Cup campaign. The pitch at Sharjah was expected to favor spinners, which suited both teams’ strengths, given Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total. Bangladesh, known for their disciplined bowling, were ready to exploit the slow, turning track. What followed was a game that showcased the best of both sides—and some moments of heartbreak for fans.

Afghanistan’s Innings: A Tale of Collapse and Recovery

Afghanistan’s batting got off to a shaky start. Their top order struggled against Bangladesh’s pace attack, with Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam swinging the new ball effectively. By the 15th over, Afghanistan were reeling at 71/5, with key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran back in the pavilion. It looked like Bangladesh would wrap things up quickly.

But then came the fightback. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and veteran Mohammad Nabi stitched together a crucial partnership. Shahidi played a steady, anchoring role, scoring 52 runs off 88 balls with a mix of cautious defense and calculated aggression. Nabi, on the other hand, was the aggressor, smashing 84 off 79 balls, including several boundaries and a couple of towering sixes. Their 100-plus run stand for the sixth wicket revived Afghanistan’s hopes.

The lower order chipped in too, with Nangeyalia Kharote adding a quick 20. Despite losing wickets in the final overs, Afghanistan managed to post 235 all out in 49.4 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman (3 wickets) and Taskin Ahmed (2 wickets), kept the pressure on, but Nabi’s knock ensured a defendable total.

Bangladesh’s Chase: A Promising Start, Then a Collapse

Chasing 236, Bangladesh started confidently. Openers Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto weathered the early storm from Afghanistan’s pacers, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. By the 20th over, Bangladesh were cruising at 120/2, with Shanto (47 off 65) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (28 off 50) looking set to take the game deep.

Enter Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Afghanistan’s 18-year-old spin sensation. In a spell that turned the match on its head, Ghazanfar ripped through Bangladesh’s middle order, finishing with figures of 6/26 in 10 overs—his best in international cricket. His mix of googlies and sharp-turning deliveries bamboozled the batters. Shanto fell to a brilliant catch by Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mehidy was bowled by a Rashid Khan googly. From 120/2, Bangladesh collapsed to 143 all out in 34.5 overs, losing their last eight wickets for just 23 runs.

Ghazanfar’s heroics, supported by Rashid Khan (1 wicket) and Mohammad Nabi (1 wicket), sealed a 92-run victory for Afghanistan. It was a statement win, showcasing their ability to defend modest totals with their world-class spin attack.

Key Moments and Performances

• Mohammad Nabi’s Resilience: Nabi’s 84 was the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings. At 71/5, the team was staring at a total under 150, but his counter-attacking knock, combined with Shahidi’s support, gave Afghanistan a fighting chance.
• Allah Ghazanfar’s Breakthrough: The young spinner’s 6/26 was a game-changer. His ability to bowl tight lines and deceive batters with variations marked him as a star of the future.
• Bangladesh’s Collapse: The loss of eight wickets for 23 runs was a reminder of Bangladesh’s occasional fragility against quality spin. Despite a strong start, they couldn’t handle the pressure once the wickets started falling.
• Fielding Brilliance: Afghanistan’s fielding, despite a few dropped catches, was electric. Omarzai’s stunning catch to dismiss Shanto was a highlight, shifting the momentum decisively.

Full Scorecard: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, 1st ODI, November 6, 2024

Below is the detailed scorecard from the match, capturing every key detail of the game.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, 1st ODI Scorecard

Date: November 6, 2024
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Afghanistan won by 92 runs
Toss: Afghanistan won and elected to bat
Player of the Match: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan Innings (235 all out, 49.4 overs)

Batsman	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)	c Soumya Sarkar b Taskin Ahmed	15	20	2	0	75.00
Sediqullah Atal	c Mehidy Hasan b Nasum Ahmed	39	45	4	1	86.67
Rahmat Shah	lbw b Mustafizur Rahman	10	18	1	0	55.56
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)	c Towhid Hridoy b Shoriful Islam	52	88	5	0	59.09
Azmatullah Omarzai	c Mahmudullah b Mustafizur Rahman	8	15	1	0	53.33
Mohammad Nabi	c Jaker Ali b Taskin Ahmed	84	79	7	2	106.33
Gulbadin Naib	c Zakir Hasan b Shoriful Islam	16	22	2	0	72.73
Rashid Khan	lbw b Mustafizur Rahman	14	16	1	1	87.50
Nangeyalia Kharote	b Nasum Ahmed	20	25	2	0	80.00
Allah Ghazanfar	c Mahmudullah b Nasum Ahmed	1	5	0	0	20.00
Fazalhaq Farooqi	not out	0	2	0	0	0.00
Extras	(b 5, lb 3, w 7, nb 0)	15
Total	(49.4 overs)	235		30	4

Fall of Wickets

• 25/1 (Gurbaz, 5.3 overs)

• 52/2 (Atal, 12.1 overs)

• 62/3 (Rahmat, 14.5 overs)

• 71/4 (Omarzai, 18.2 overs)

• 71/5 (Ibrahim Zadran, 18.4 overs)

• 171/6 (Shahidi, 38.1 overs)

• 189/7 (Naib, 42.3 overs)

• 219/8 (Nabi, 47.3 overs)

• 219/9 (Ghazanfar, 47.4 overs)

• 235/10 (Kharote, 49.4 overs)

Bowling

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Wides	No Balls
Taskin Ahmed	10	1	45	2	4.50	2	0
Shoriful Islam	10	0	47	2	4.70	3	0
Mustafizur Rahman	10	1	37	3	3.70	1	0
Nasum Ahmed	10	2	28	3	2.80	0	0
Mehidy Hasan Miraz	8.4	0	60	0	7.05	1	0
Shakib Al Hasan	2	0	10	0	5.00	0	0

Bangladesh Innings (143 all out, 34.5 overs)

Batsman	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Soumya Sarkar	c Omarzai b Fazalhaq Farooqi	6	3	1	0	200.00
Tanzid Hasan	lbw b Naveen-ul-Haq	0	3	0	0	0.00
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)	c Omarzai b Mohammad Nabi	47	65	4	1	72.31
Mehidy Hasan Miraz	b Rashid Khan	28	50	2	1	56.00
Towhid Hridoy	b Allah Ghazanfar	11	19	1	0	57.89
Mahmudullah	lbw b Allah Ghazanfar	1	2	0	0	50.00
Jaker Ali (wk)	st Gurbaz b Allah Ghazanfar	1	5	0	0	20.00
Rishad Hossain	b Allah Ghazanfar	0	2	0	0	0.00
Taskin Ahmed	b Allah Ghazanfar	0	1	0	0	0.00
Shoriful Islam	c Naib b Allah Ghazanfar	3	10	0	0	30.00
Mustafizur Rahman	not out	0	1	0	0	0.00
Extras	(b 1, lb 5, w 3, nb 0)	9
Total	(34.5 overs)	143		15	2

Fall of Wickets

• 6/1 (Soumya Sarkar, 0.1 overs)

• 6/2 (Tanzid Hasan, 0.4 overs)

• 120/3 (Shanto, 21.3 overs)

• 120/4 (Mehidy, 22.4 overs)

• 131/5 (Hridoy, 27.2 overs)

• 132/6 (Mahmudullah, 27.5 overs)

• 133/7 (Jaker Ali, 29.1 overs)

• 133/8 (Rishad, 29.3 overs)

• 133/9 (Taskin, 29.4 overs)

• 143/10 (Shoriful, 34.5 overs)

Bowling

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Wides	No Balls
Fazalhaq Farooqi	6	0	30	1	5.00	1	0
Naveen-ul-Haq	6	0	25	1	4.17	1	0
Mohammad Nabi	4.2	0	23	1	5.47	0	0
Rashid Khan	7	0	24	1	3.43	1	0
Allah Ghazanfar	10	2	26	6	2.60	0	0
Nangeyalia Kharote	6	0	16	0	2.67	0	0

The Bigger Picture: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry

This match was a microcosm of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry. Afghanistan’s ability to bounce back from early setbacks and their reliance on spin to defend totals mirror their journey as a cricketing nation—resilient and resourceful. Bangladesh, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency, a recurring theme in their clashes with Afghanistan.

Historically, Bangladesh lead the ODI head-to-head with 11 wins to Afghanistan’s 8 in 19 matches. In T20Is, Afghanistan have the edge, notably with a 3-0 series whitewash in 2018. Key moments in their rivalry include Afghanistan’s shock win in their first ODI meeting in the 2014 Asia Cup and Bangladesh’s 6-wicket victory in the 2023 World Cup. Each game adds to the narrative of two teams pushing each other to improve.

What Makes This Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Special?

For fans, this rivalry is special because it’s not just about established giants like India or Australia. It’s about two teams that have fought their way up, overcoming limited resources and infrastructure. Players like Rashid Khan, who’s become a global T20 superstar, and Shakib Al Hasan, the world’s No. 1 all-rounder in 2015, embody the spirit of their teams. The matches are often close, with individual brilliance—like Ghazanfar’s six-wicket haul or Shanto’s gritty 76 in the 2nd ODI—deciding the outcome.

The Sharjah series itself ended with Afghanistan winning 2-1, thanks to a dominant performance in the 3rd ODI, where Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round contribution sealed the deal. This series showed that Afghanistan are no longer just a surprise package—they’re a team to be feared.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy, their rivalry will only grow. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack and Bangladesh’s balanced squad promise more thrilling encounters. For fans, it’s a chance to witness cricket’s evolving landscape, where emerging teams challenge the status quo.