KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the opening match of their One-Day International (ODI) series at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first on Wednesday, Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 runs in 48.5 overs. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with 60 off 87 balls, while Towhid Hridoy contributed a solid 56.

For Afghanistan, veteran leg-spinner Rashid Khan and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai took three wickets each, while Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed two.

In reply, Afghanistan successfully chased down the 222-run target with 17 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50 off 76) and Rahmat Shah (50 off 70) provided a strong foundation, while Omarzai added a valuable 40 from 44 balls.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi guided the team home with an unbeaten 33, supported by Mohammad Nabi, who scored a brisk 11 not out from 8 deliveries.

Bangladesh's bowlers struggled to make regular breakthroughs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the attack with figures of 3 for 55, while Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket apiece.

The second ODI will be played on October 11 at the same venue, where Afghanistan will aim to clinch the series and build momentum ahead of their upcoming international fixtures.

kk/sa

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