In a truly emphatic display, Afghanistan asserted their dominance in the third and final One-Day International against Bangladesh. On Tuesday, October 14, they crushed their opponents by a staggering 200 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. After setting a challenging total of 293 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, the Afghan bowlers dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup, dismissing them for a mere 93 runs in just 27.1 overs.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly young pacer Bilal Sami, who delivered a sensational performance in only his second ODI appearance. He claimed an impressive 5 wickets for just 33 runs in 7.1 overs. Supporting him brilliantly, the experienced Rashid Khan also played a pivotal role, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs in six overs.
This victory wasn’t just another win; it marked a historic moment for Afghanistan. They became the first team to secure an ODI victory by a margin of 200 runs or more at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The previous record at this venue was held by South Africa, who defeated Ireland by 174 runs on October 4, 2024. In total, 15 different teams have competed in ODIs at this stadium.
A glance at the biggest ODI wins by runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium:
- Afghanistan: 200 runs vs Bangladesh (October 14, 2025)
- South Africa: 174 runs vs Ireland (October 4, 2024)
- Scotland: 150 runs vs Afghanistan (January 14, 2015)
- South Africa: 139 runs vs Ireland (October 2, 2024)
- Pakistan: 138 runs vs New Zealand (November 3, 2009)
- Pakistan: 136 runs vs West Indies (October 5, 2016)
- Afghanistan: 136 runs vs Bangladesh (September 20, 2018)
- England: 130 runs vs Pakistan (February 13, 2012)
- Sri Lanka: 115 runs vs Pakistan (May 22, 2007)
- Ireland: 112 runs vs UAE (January 18, 2021)
While this was a record for Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan’s largest overall ODI winning margin remains 232 runs against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on December 19, 2024.
Bilal Sami’s remarkable five-wicket haul also places him in an elite group, making him only the second specialist pacer from Afghanistan to achieve this feat in ODIs, and the ninth Afghan bowler overall. Before Sami, Hamid Hassan was the only other specialist pacer to record a five-wicket haul. Spin wizard Rashid Khan continues to lead the pack with an impressive six five-wicket hauls in ODIs, followed by Allah Ghazanfar with two in 14 matches.