Gurbaz, Omarzai star as Afghanistan clinch ODI series

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s electrifying century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-around performance crushed Bangladesh in Sharjah as Afghanistan claimed a thrilling five-wicket win yesterday to secure a 2-1 victory in the one-day series.Chasing 245, Afghanistan opener Gurbaz and Omarzai stitched a 100-run partnership after the top-order failed to sustain Bangladesh’s pace attack led by Mustafizur Rahman.Gurbaz laid the foundation of Afghanistan’s win with 101 off 120 including seven sixes and five fours in the series decider.Omarzai (70 not out) mixed caution with aggression and led the side to the victory rope along with Mohammad Nabi.Bangladesh, who won the toss, started well as their openers Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar added 53 inside the first powerplay but Afghanistan rebounded with four quick wickets and left Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led side reeling at 72/4.Skipper Mehidy and Mahmudullah took charge, sharing a 145-run partnership off 188 balls, and took Bangladesh to 244-8.Mahmudullah missed out on his century but was Bangladesh’s top-scorer with a run-a-ball 98 while Mehidy, who was playing his 100th ODI, batted slowly but notched a half-century (66).With win over Bangladesh, Afghanistan have now bagged their third consecutive ODI series win of the year.BRIEF SCORES:Afghanistan 246 for 5 (Gurbaz 101, Omarzai 70*, Rana 2-40) beat Bangladesh 244 for 8 (Mahmudullah 98, Mehidy 66, Omarzai 4-37) by five wickets.