When Afghanistan Cricket Board moved its "home" game to the glittering Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, few expected a 5‑wicket win over a bruising Bangladeshi side. Yet on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, the Afghan XI pulled off a late‑order chase, stitching together a 226/5 target in 47.1 overs to snatch the first ODI of a three‑match series.
Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team, won the toss and elected to bat. They posted 221/10 in 48.5 overs, with Miraz himself contributing a gritty 60 off 87 balls. The twist? Afghanistan’s chase was anchored by two half‑centuries – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s wicket‑keeper, scored 50 off 76, while opening batsman Rahmat Shah matched him with 50 off 70. The victory not only gave the Afghan side a morale boost after a 3‑0 T20I drubbing but also set the tone for the remaining ODIs scheduled for 11 and 14 October.
Series Context – From T20I Whitewash to ODI Redemption
The Abu Dhabi showdown capped a fortnight of cricket that began on 2 October 2025 with a three‑match T20I series. Bangladesh ran away with all three games – margins of 4 wickets, 2 wickets and 6 wickets respectively – leaving Afghanistan searching for answers. Coach Mohammad Nabi promised a swift turnaround, noting that the longer format would allow his bowlers to settle into rhythm.
Indeed, the first ODI saw Afghanistan’s pacemen dig deep. Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 3 for 40, while the world‑renowned Rashid Khan snatched another 3 for 38. Their disciplined lines forced Bangladesh into a middle‑order wobble, especially after the injury blow to rising fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi – ruled out on 6 October with a groin overload.
Key Performances and Player Highlights
Bangladesh’s top‑order was a mixed bag. Miraz’s 60 anchored a partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who added 56 off 85. Yet once the middle order fell, the scoring rate stalled, giving Afghanistan a breathing space.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) – 60 (87)
- Towhid Hridoy (BAN) – 56 (85)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) – 50 (76)
- Rahmat Shah (AFG) – 50 (70)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) – 3/40
- Rashid Khan (AFG) – 3/38
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who also contributed a steady 35, praised his side’s composure: “We stuck to the game plan, rotated the strike, and trusted the bowlers to do the hard work.”
Broadcasting Options – How Fans Around the Globe Caught the Action
In India, the match streamed exclusively on the FanCode app and website, a partnership confirmed by NDTV Sports and The Indian Express. Bangladeshi viewers tuned in via Nagorik TV and T Sports, with a parallel stream on Tapmad. Afghan supporters watched on Lemar TV, supplemented by the My Etisalat AFG mobile app.
Pakistani cricket fans accessed the live feed through the Tamasha streaming service, while UK viewers enjoyed a free broadcast on the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s official YouTube channel. A secondary option, STYX Sports, offered a pay‑per‑view feed but was hampered by geographic restrictions.
Below is a quick reference guide for anyone looking to replay the match or catch the upcoming ODIs:
- India – FanCode (app & web)
- Bangladesh – Nagorik TV, T Sports, Tapmad
- Afghanistan – Lemar TV, My Etisalat AFG app
- Pakistan – Tamasha
- United Kingdom – ACB YouTube channel (free)
- Rest of World – STYX Sports (subject to VPN)
Why the Series Matters for Afghan Cricket
The five‑year agreement signed in 2022 between the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the United Arab Emirates turned the desert nation’s “home” matches into a regular fixture at venues like Sheikh Zayed. This arrangement gives Afghan players exposure to world‑class facilities and helps the board generate revenue through broadcast rights. A win here, especially after a T20I whitewash, sends a signal to potential sponsors that Afghanistan can compete under pressure.
Cricket analyst Rahul Bhatia (The Business Standard) noted, “The pitch at Sheikh Zayed typically offers early seam movement. Afghanistan’s ability to exploit that with disciplined bowling and a measured chase shows tactical maturity beyond their years.”
Looking Ahead – What’s Next in the UAE Tour?
The second ODI is slated for Saturday, 11 October 2025, same venue, same time slot. Bangladesh will be keen to bounce back, especially after a batting collapse in the first game. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to cement the momentum, perhaps rotating some bowlers to rest those who bowled heavy overs in the opener.
Beyond the ODIs, both sides have a final T20I slated for 17 October 2025, giving Bangladesh a chance to restore pride and Afghanistan an opportunity to showcase depth across formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Indian viewers watch the Afghanistan‑Bangladesh ODI?
Indian fans streamed the match live on the FanCode app and its website. A free tier provided the live video, while a premium subscription unlocked ad‑free replays and extended highlights.
Why is Afghanistan playing its ‘home’ games in the UAE?
Since 2022, the Afghanistan Cricket Board signed a five‑year partnership with the United Arab Emirates to host its home fixtures at venues like Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The deal provides security, world‑class infrastructure, and commercial opportunities that Afghanistan currently lacks domestically.
What were the key factors behind Afghanistan’s win?
Two steady half‑centuries, tight death‑over bowling from Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai, and a disciplined chase that respected the required run rate were decisive. The early seam movement at Sheikh Zayed also helped the Afghan bowlers pick up crucial wickets.
When and where are the next matches in the series?
The second ODI is scheduled for 11 October 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, kicking off at 5:30 PM IST. The third ODI follows on 14 October 2025 at the same venue. A final T20I is set for 17 October 2025.
Who was the standout bowler for Bangladesh?
Taskin Ahmed was Bangladesh’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 45. However, he couldn’t break through the middle order consistently, which allowed Afghanistan to build partnerships.
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