Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Match Commentary: Afghanistan tour of Bangladesh, 2023

10.34pm  Right then, a rain-filled day in Chattogram has come to an end and it is the visitors, Afghanistan who have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-game series. The next game will be played at the very same ground on Saturday, the 8th of July and we can expect another enticing contest as Bangladesh would look to level it all up. That game will begin at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT) but our coverage will begin much sooner. Do join us then. Take care and goodbye!

10.32pm  Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan says that the bowlers bowled as per the plan, and that helped the side. Goes on to credit Mohammad Nabi for the catch he took and that changed the game a bit as well. Adds that the way Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started with the bat, they set the perfect platform for others and they plan it out the best for the team. Mentions that the injury to Fazalhaq Farooqi is not serious and the scan will confirm his availability for the second game.

10.31pm  Fazalhaq Farooqi is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar display with the ball. Farooqi starts by thanking the almighty and says that they won the game and he was able to perform. Adds that he wanted to bowl in the right areas and fortunately he was able to do that.

10.30pm  Bangladesh skipper, Tamim Iqbal says the weather and other things should not be blamed for the side's bad performance in this game. Adds that they lost back-to-back wickets to false strokes and that has hurt the team as 160-odd is not enough. Mentions that Towhid Hridoy has done well with the bat each and every time he has batted and we are pleased with that.

10.13pm  Bangladesh will be disappointed not just with the rain but their performance as a batting unit as after a breezy start, they let go of their concentration and gave away a few soft wickets. Towhid Hridoy was the only batter who put up a fight but with wickets tumbling around him, he couldn't accelerate. They did bowl well though and even though they didn't get early wickets, they did keep the scoring rate in check. On the contrary, a couple of early wickets would have put pressure on the Afghan batters and they might have been behind the DLS score but that wasn't the case. The hosts will now look to bounce back in the next game and level the series.

10.07pm  UPDATE 10.07 pm IST (4.37 pm GMT) - We have official confirmation and Afghanistan have won by 17 runs on the DLS method! A match that was interrupted by rain throughout its course and it has concluded in Afghanistan's favour. However, even without the rain, the visitors did seem like the better side. After a wayward side with the ball, they soon got wickets at regular intervals and kept on the pressure, eventually restricting Bangladesh to 169/9 in 43 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi starred with three wickets but the spinners bowled really well too. Coming to their batting, the openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made a watchful start and added 54 vital runs for the first wicket. They did lose a couple of wickets but Ibrahim Zadran stayed unbeaten on 41 and ensured that his side were ahead of the DLS score.c

10.01pm  UPDATE 10.01 pm IST (4.31 pm GMT) - Oh, dear! The drizzle is back on and the ground staff are now bringing all of the covers back on. This might just be the telling blow for this game, we hope it isn't but it does look like it.

9.52pm  UPDATE 9.52 pm IST (4.22 pm GMT) - We have news from the ground! The revised target is now 111 runs in 29 overs and Afghanistan now require 28 runs more to win in 7.2 overs. Play is scheduled to restart at 10.05 pm IST (4.35 pm GMT) barring no further rain. Oh, no! Just a minute or so after sharing the revised conditions, the blue cover is back on the pitch which means either it has started drizzling again or the ground staff expect some more rain in the coming minutes or maybe it's just for precaution. A bit frustrating for the players and the fans. Stay tuned for more updates.

9.38pm  UPDATE 9.38 pm IST (4.08 pm GMT) - The rain has subsided to a very light drizzle it seems and the officials are out in the middle having a chat with the ground staff. Fingers crossed we get some play in and get through to the end of this match. And, the covers are slowly coming off as well which is a good sign. Stick around as we should have an official word soon.

9.28pm  UPDATE 9.28 pm IST (3.58 pm GMT) - The rain continues to fall in Chattogram and we are already losing more and more overs. Afghanistan won't mind this but Bangladesh would want a prompt restart which seems unlikely at the moment. Stick around for further updates.

9.07pm  UPDATE 9.07 pm IST (3.37 pm GMT) - It has been this kind of a day today. It has started to drizzle yet again and the umpires have asked the ground staff to cover the wicket yet again. The DLS score at this point, i.e., after 21.4 overs would be 66 runs for the loss of 2 wickets and Afghanistan are well in front of that, which means if no more play is possible, they will win. Stay tuned as we will bring updates for you soon.

8.50pm  Skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi is in at number 4.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! On a length just outside off, Rahmat Shah gets tempted to poke at it as he edges this into the hands of Litton Das at first slip. Litton Das takes a good catch diving low in front to remove Rahmat Shah. Bangladesh needs a few more of these.
Rahmat Shah c L Das b T Ahmed 8 (14b 1x4 0x6)

8.32pm  Rahmat Shah is the new man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Tossed up in middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz advances down the track and slogs this but the bat face closes in his hands and the ball has ended in the hands of Najmul Hossain Shanto at short mid-wicket. Najmul Hossain Shanto takes a good catch to see the back of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) c NH Shanto b SA Hasan 22 (45b 1x4 0x6)

8.19pm  Drinks break! This has been a fairly watchful start by Afghanistan but with the target not being a big one, this wicketless start could prove to be crucial for them. Bangladesh have bowled well and have kept the lines tight but just haven't managed to create wicket-taking opportunities. They will look to pick up a few quick wickets in order to get back in the game.

8.02pm  Powerplay 2! The fielding team will now be allowed four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 35th over. Shakib Al Hasan has been introduced into the attack.

7.27pm  Mustafizur Rahman will bowl from the other end.

7.20pm  The umpire have made their way into the ground followed by the players of Bangladesh. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are the two openers for Afghanistan. Hasan Mahmud will start the proceedings for Bangladesh with the ball in his hands. The revised target under the DLS method would be 164 in 43 overs.

7.16pm  ...RUN CHASE...

7.05pm  The visitors were brilliant with the ball and ripped through the batting lineup of Bangladesh. Fazalhaq Farooqi was brilliant at the top as he kept the scoring rate down at the top and forced the batters to play false strokes for their dismissals, he ended up with 3 scalps under his name but did go off the field with a niggle in the final over. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan took a couple of wickets each while they were well helped by Mohammad Nabi who took a solo wicket but an important one of Najmul Hossain Shanto. The score is not a big one but the overcast conditions and the ting of grass on the field will surely help the bowlers. Let's see who comes out on top in the second half of the game. Join us for the chase at 7.20 pm IST (1.50 pm GMT).

7.03pm  In a rain-curtailed game, Afghanistan would be happy to walk get back into the dugout after restricting the hosts for a below par-total. We are at the halfway stage of the game with Afghanistan restricting Bangladesh to a total of 169. The game started with a flurry of runs but wickets at regular intervals held the run rate and put the hosts on the back foot in this game. After being asked to bat first Tamim Iqbal started watchfully but edged one in the hands of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and that opened the flood gates which led to the fall of wickets on a frequent basis. The top four got in but failed to score big while Towhid Hridoy was the only one who batted deep and scored 51 valuable runs being the top scorer of the team.

6.50pm  Mustafizur Rahman walks out last to bat.

FIFTY AND OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls this one slightly back of a length and brings the line close to the off stump. Towhid Hridoy comes forward and doesn't move his feet as he looks to cut hard. The ball is too close to the body and the outside edge is found. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes no error behind the sticks and Hridoy has to go back after a solid knock. Farooqi picks up his third wicket now.
Towhid Hridoy c R Gurbaz b F Farooqi 51 (69b 3x4 0x6)

6.33pm  Hasan Mahmud walks out next to bat.

OUT! LBW! Mujeeb Ur Rahman strikes in his final over. Mujeeb bowls this one from around the wicket, on a length and drifts it in from around off. Taskin looks to lean forward and defends but is beaten through the gate. The ball strikes him dead in front and there's a loud appeal which is acknowledged by the umpire and the finger goes up. After a bit of discussion, Taskin Ahmed has reviewed it. With nothing on UltraEdge, it is signaled out by the third umpire as well.
Taskin Ahmed lbw MU Rahman 7 (19b 0x4 0x6)

6.19pm  We are back and the play is about to restart. The game has now been reduced to a 43-over-a-side game. The umpires are out in the middle, followed by Towhid Hridoy and Taskin Ahmed for Bangladesh while Fazalhaq Farooqi will complete his over.

5.57pm  UPDATE 5.57 pm IST (12.27 pm GMT) - Off comes the remaining cover on the pitch and the ground staff are working around the clock. Conditions look much better now and the umpires are also having a discussion on the field. Hopefully, we get an update soon on the restart and revised playing conditions. Stay tuned. We have a restart time as well - 6.20 pm IST (12.50 pm GMT)!

5.41pm  UPDATE 5.41 pm IST (12.11 pm GMT) - Oh, no! The covers are back on as the rain is back and is getting heavier by the minute. It looks like we are in for a prolonged delay but hopefully, it is just a passing shower. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates. Just a few minutes later though the covers do once again come off as the rain vanishes and the sun starts peeking through the clouds...

5.31pm  UPDATE 5.31 pm IST (12.01 pm GMT) - The covers are now coming off and the rain has disappeared as well! It is still a bit dark out there but the umpires are now around the pitch which is still covered and having a discussion. We might get an update soon. Stay tuned.

5.19pm  UPDATE 5.19 pm IST (11.49 am GMT) - It is still pretty dark out there but the rain isn't heavy. Hopefully, the sky gets clear soon and play can resume but for now, we can only wait. Stick around for more updates.

4.59pm  UPDATE 4.59 pm IST (11.29 am GMT) - Bad news again folks as it has started to drizzle again as the ground staff have covered the pitch. It doesn't look like the drizzle will last for long so stay tuned as we will be bringing you an update soon. If it rains for more than 10 minutes we will start losing overs in this game.

4.47pm  More trouble for Bangladesh as Mehidy Hasan departs and it is also time for some drinks. Afghanistan have pinned the host on the backfoot with their clinical bowling performance so far and would be looking to breeze past the Bangladesh tail as quickly as they can. Towhid Hridoy is the key figure for Bangladesh as he is the only renowned batter remaining. Taskin Ahmed is the new batter.

OUT! Given LBW! Mehidy Hasan has reviewed it though. Fazalhaq Farooqi just gets his length a touch fuller on this occasion and angles the ball onto the stumps. Mehidy Hasan looks to pull but the ball stays a touch low and hits him on the back leg. There is a loud appeal and the finger goes up. Coming to the review, nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Farooqi gets his second wicket and Bangladesh have now lost their seventh wicket.
Mehidy Hasan lbw F Farooqi 5 (23b 0x4 0x6)

4.25pm  Mehidy Hasan walks out to bat now.

OUT! LBW! A very good review taken and it pays dividends to the Afghanistan side as Afif Hossain departs. Short of a length around the pads, Afif Hossain looks to run this down to fine leg but gets beaten and the ball has clipped his front pad. Loud appeal by Rashid and the Afghanistan players but the umpire has turned it down. Hashmatullah Shahidi has asked for a review. Nothing on UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking suggests all reds and the umpire is asked to reverse his decision to OUT.
Afif Hossain lbw R Khan 4 (8b 0x4 0x6)

4.09pm  Afif Hossain walks in with Bangladesh is a spot of bother.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Another one bites the dust as Mushfiqur Rahim departs. Short of a length with a bit of pace of it, in the line of stumps, Mushfiqur Rahim hops onto his backfoot to pull it but gets an inside edge onto his middle pole as the stumps are scattered. Mushfiqur Rahim doesn't pick the googly and departs as Bangladesh has lost half the team in under 25 overs.
Mushfiqur Rahim (wk) b R Khan 1 (3b 0x4 0x6)

4.04pm  Mushfiqur Rahim walks in at number 6.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Bangladesh are in a situation of bother as they lose Shakib Al Hasan. A splendid catch diving to his right by Mr. President amongst the Afghanistan squad, Mohammad Nabi. On a length just outside off, Shakib Al Hasan chips this uppishly wide of the fielder at cover but Mohammad Nabi dives full stretch to his right and takes a stunner to remove Shakib Al Hasan.
Shakib Al Hasan c M Nabi b A Omarzai 15 (38b 0x4 0x6)

3.57pm  Rashid Khan is now introduced into the attack.

3.39pm  The umpires and players are back on the field after a short stoppage. Towhid Hridoy will be on strike to face Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

3.27pm  UPDATE 3.27 pm IST (9.57 am GMT) - We have some more good news as play is set to restart at 3.40 pm IST (10.10 am GMT) which is less than 15 minutes from now. No overs have been deducted as of yet, so, grab a cup of coffee and join the action on the other side.

3.15pm  UPDATE 3.15 pm IST (9.45 am GMT) - Good news as it looks like the covers are slowly coming off and the rain has dried down for now. Hopefully, it stays this way and we get a quick restart. Stay tuned for further updates.

2.52pm  UPDATE 2.52 pm IST (9.22 am GMT) - Bad news folks as the umpires have called for covers as it has started to drizzle here. The groundstaff have rushed in with the covers as they protect the pitch first. It looks like a passing shower though and we might have an update soon. Stick around.

2.39pm  Najmul Hossain Shanto departs and it is time for a drinks break! Afghanistan would be delighted with the way the game has panned out so far as they have removed the top 3 of Bangladesh for cheap. Litton Das looked good in the middle but couldn't capitalize on a good start just like the other two batters as well. A lot would depend on these two now to take the Bangladesh innings ahead.

OUT! CAUGHT! Soft, soft dismissal and Najmul Hossain Shanto will be kicking himself. Mohammad Nabi starts from around the wicket and just floats the ball up around middle, angling it in. Shanto goes down to sweep but opts to just paddle it 'round the corner. Shanto is a bit early on the shot and the top edge is taken. The ball lobs up around short fine leg where Mohammad Saleem takes a simple catch. Nabi strikes with his very first delivery and Bangladesh have now lost their third wicket.
Najmul Hossain Shanto c M Saleem b M Nabi 12 (16b 2x4 0x6)

2.38pm  Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack with two left-handers on the crease.

2.34pm  Shakib Al Hasan walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder! A real drag down by Mujeeb Ur Rahman as he bowls it short on leg stump. Litton Das rocks back to pull and does so but he pulls it hard and flat toward deep square leg. Das picks out Rahmat Shah in the deep perfectly and he doesn't make a mistake, gobbling up the chance. Das will be disappointed with that shot but Mujeeb and Afghanistan can rejoice.
Litton Das c R Shah b MU Rahman 26 (35b 2x4 1x6)

2.24pm  Powerplay 2! The fielding side is now allowed to have as many as four fielders outside the inner circle till the 40th over.

2.21pm  Time for some spin as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is brought into the attack.

2.09pm  Azmatullah Omarzai comes into the attack now.

2.07pm  Najmul Hossain Shanto is in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! First breakthrough for Afghanistan as they get rid of the Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal. On a length outside off, in the corridor of uncertainty, Tamim Iqbal gets stuck in his crease as he looks to block it out but gets a bit late and edges this into the hands of Rahmanullah Gurbaz behind the wicket.
Tamim Iqbal (c) c R Gurbaz b F Farooqi 13 (21b 2x4 0x6)

1.35pm  Mohammad Saleem, on debut, takes the other new ball.

1.28pm  We are all set for the game to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Afghanistan. We can also see Mohammad Saleem being presented with the cap as he is set to make his ODI debut. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das are the openers for Bangladesh.It will be Fazalhaq Farooqi to open the proceedings with the ball here. Let's play...

1.28pm  PITCH REPORT - Atar Ali Khan is pitchside. He says that a lot of grass has been left on the pitch and it will provide help to the seamers and back of the length delivery will be key here as the ball will do a lot of lateral movement from there.

1.28pm  Bangladesh skipper, Tamim Iqbal says that they are happy to bat here and it may well quicken up later in the day. Adds that the intent will be to stay positive but sometimes they play the situation too. Mentions that the key will be to negotiate the first 10 over well without any scoreboard pressure. Informs that the preparation for this game has been very well now it is time to execute the plans.

1.28pm  Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan says they would like to field first as it looks like the pitch has a bit of moisture and they want to take advantage of it for the first 10-15 overs. Adds that the team is well prepared for the conditions here. Mentions that Rashid Khan is in the side and that's a big boost for them all and they will be looking to restrict them under 250.

1.15pm  Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Saleem (On debut).

1.14pm  Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tamim Iqbal (C), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Hasan Mahmud.

1.04pm  TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.

12.36pm  Afghanistan on the contrary are a hot and cold side as when the batting clicks they do well but if it fails it does fail miserably. The team is heavily dependent on players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ibrahim Zadran for the batting department while the bowling rests on the shoulders of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and veteran Mohammad Nabi. The battle between the spinners of Afghanistan and the batters of Bangladesh would be one to keep a keen eye on. Let's see who draws the first blood in the battle between the giant killers as Afghanistan takes on Bangladesh. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

12.33pm  The hosts Bangladesh are in wonderland as they have defeated the likes of India, England, and Ireland in the last three ODI series they have played at home. The bowling has been a revolution for the Asian giant killers and players like Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud have bowled in a splendid manner recently. The batting has been solid too as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim have stood-up big time for the side. The team would be heavily dependent on the bowling attack as they have run riots against every opponent they have faced in recent times.

12.30pm  Hello and welcome to all our viewers tuning in for this thrilling encounter between two Asian sides on an up as Bangladesh takes on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI will be taking place at the beautiful Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. It is set up to be a good tussle and seems like a close game to call.