With the ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan well underway, many were of the opinion that Bangladesh would dominate the visitors in the white-ball series just like they did in the recently concluded Test match. However, Afghanistan had a completely different plan in mind, as they won the first ODI by 17 runs through the DLS method.
With the second ODI underway, Afghanistan came in to bat after losing the toss. Looking to heavily improve on their performance from the first game, Bangladesh looked to put in a good performance and try to limit the visitors to a reasonable total. However, the sensational partnership between openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran brought the hosts back to square one.
Their opening stand broke the record for the highest-ever opening partnership for Afghanistan; furthermore, they continued on their blitzkrieg and broke the record for the highest partnership for any wicket for Afghanistan as well.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz barely missed out on scoring 150 runs as he was dismissed for a mammoth 145 on the first ball of the 37th over. Zadran and Gurbaz made a brilliant partnership of 256 runs and provided the visitors with just the start that they needed.
Afghanistan look to clinch ODI series
Afghanistan currently find themselves in a strong position in the ODI series, as the side won the first ODI in sensational fashion. Electing to field first, the visitors did a brilliant job limiting Bangladesh to a low total. It is also worth noting that rain played spoilsport throughout several stages of the game, which led to it being shortened quite a bit.
With a target of 170 runs to chase down, Afghanistan put forth a brilliant display with the bat. However, rain disrupted play once more, and the game was eventually called off, with Afghanistan being declared the winner by 17 runs through the DLS method.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the opening stand between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran:
🚨RECORD ALERT: This is the highest 1st wicket partnership for Afghanistan 🇦🇫 in ODIs@RGurbaz_21 🤝 Ibrahim Zadran#BANvsAFG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/O3W5nbxJBe
— Washikur Rahman Simanto (@WashikurRahma75) July 8, 2023
Afghanistan have registered their first ever 150+ run opening partnership in ODIs.#BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/IGuIlHafFt
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) July 8, 2023
Gurbaz and ibrahim great partnership #banvsafg
— Shahebaz Khan (@HeropantiMr) July 8, 2023
Gurbaz is hammerin’ the bangladeshis, warra striking #banvsafg
— hooohooo #sadtimes🥲🥲🥲 (@ANikitesh) July 8, 2023
Feels like I am watching @BCBtigers vs @CricketAus Cricket match 🤣
but in reality It’s #BanvsAfg
lol
— Sreyan Ghosh (@littlesreyan04) July 8, 2023
Extra-cover drive, off-drive, flick, pull, slog-sweep – Rahmanullah Gurbaz is putting on a show at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Tune in. #banvafg #banvsafg
— AHM Nayeem (@AhmNayeem49) July 8, 2023
🌪️ I̶s̶h̶a̶n̶ ̶K̶i̶s̶h̶a̶n̶ Rahmanullah Gurbaz storm at the ZACS
– Shows his classy side, timing it purely through the gaps 👌
– Builds up the first ever 150-run opening partnership in 🇦🇫-history with Ibrahim Zadran
– Reaches his 4th ODI 💯#BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/VrVdmseNCw
— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 8, 2023
💯 from 100 balls for Gurbaz.
This is his 2nd hundred against Bangladesh in the same venue. A beast of a player. pic.twitter.com/8OTGFLJUGp
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) July 8, 2023
When Was the last time you see a visiting against Bangladeshi bowlers in their home pitch. Kudos to Afghanistan for playing remarkably well..#BanvsAfg
— SARCASTICDESI 🇮🇳 (@Sach_in_Rajput_) July 8, 2023