Afghanistan Leads 2‑0 as Saif Hassan Debuts in UAE ODI Series

When Saif Hassan, batsman for Bangladesh cricket team, stepped onto the crease on October 8, 2025, the Etisalat Cup ODI series in the United Arab Emirates took on a new level of intrigue. The match was the opening encounter of a three‑game One Day International (ODI) showdown between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, a series confirmed earlier that summer by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Afghanistan, riding high after back‑to‑back series wins over Bangladesh in 2023 and 2024, were eager to cement their dominance on neutral ground.

Background to the Tour

Bangladesh’s October 2025 tour of the UAE was part of a broader strategy to play more neutral‑venue cricket, allowing both sides to avoid logistical headaches in war‑torn Afghanistan. The Afghanistan side, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, had already announced a packed itinerary that included three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals. Historically, Afghanistan has held a winning edge in recent head‑to‑head match‑ups – they clinched the series in 2023 by 2‑1 and repeated the feat in 2024. The Etisalat Cup, sponsored by the regional telecom giant, promised lucrative prize money and a chance for emerging talent to shine.

Match‑by‑Match Recap

First ODI – October 8, 2025

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. They posted 221 for 7 in 48.5 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz top‑scoring at 60 off 87 balls. Bangladesh’s bowlers made a decent dent, highlighted by Tanzim Hasan Sakib taking 3 for 31.

Afghanistan chased the target smoothly, reaching 226/5 in 47.1 overs. Rahmat Shah anchored the innings with a steady 50, while the ever‑reliable Rashid Khan claimed 3 for 38. The win gave Afghanistan a 1‑0 lead and marked Rashid’s 200th ODI wicket – a milestone he celebrated with a modest grin on the field.

Second ODI – October 11, 2025

Afghanistan turned the tables at the toss, opting to bat first. They were bowled out for 190 in 44.5 overs. The day’s star was Ibrahim Zadran, who struck 95 runs from 140 balls, falling just short of a century. Bangladesh’s response never found rhythm; Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had shone with the bat in the first game, switched to the ball and nabbed 3 for 42. Afghanistan secured an 81‑run victory, extending the series lead to 2‑0.

Third ODI – October 12, 2025 (Scheduled)

With the series already decided, the final match is set for a midday start at 12:00 PM local time. Both teams will likely use the game to test fringe players ahead of the upcoming T20I leg. Expect Afghanistan to aim for a clean sweep, while Bangladesh may give Saif Hassan a longer run in the middle order.

Player Debuts and Milestones

The opening fixture was a double‑debut day. Bangladesh handed Saif Hassan his first ODI cap, while Afghanistan introduced Bashir Ahmad to the senior level. Saif, 22, entered the arena under a cloud of expectation after solid domestic performances for Dhaka Division. He contributed a quick‑fire 30 before being dismissed, giving him a modest start on the world stage.

Rashid Khan’s 200th wicket came midway through Bangladesh’s innings, a delivery that clipped the off‑stump of opening batsman. “It’s a personal landmark, but the team’s win matters more,” Rashid said in a post‑match interview.

Reactions from Teams and Analysts

Afghanistan’s coach, Jonathan Trott, praised his side’s composure: “Playing in the UAE can be tricky because of the lights and the pitch, but the boys showed why they’re the favourites.” Bangladesh’s captain, Nasum Ahmed, was more measured. “We had moments of brilliance, especially from Miraz, but we need to finish games stronger,” he noted.

Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle highlighted the strategic angle: “Afghanistan’s spin‑heavy attack, led by Rashid, is proving fatal on sub‑continental surfaces, even in the UAE’s slower pitches.” He added that Bangladesh’s route back to parity hinges on developing a more aggressive top‑order and tighter death‑over bowling.

What the Series Means for Future Encounters

Afghanistan’s 2‑0 lead not only secures the Etisalat Cup but also boosts their world‑ranking points, edging them closer to a direct World Cup qualification spot. For Bangladesh, the series serves as a reality check ahead of the 2026 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers, where they will face tougher opposition.

Both boards have hinted at using the remaining ODIs to experiment with squad depth. Bangladesh’s coaches are expected to give Saif Hassan a longer spell, while Afghanistan may rotate bowlers to keep Rashid fresh for the upcoming T20I series.

Upcoming Schedule and What’s Next

• October 12, 2025 – 3rd ODI (UAE, 12:00 PM)
• October 15–16, 2025 – Two T20Is (UAE, night matches)
• October 20, 2025 – Final T20I (UAE)

After the T20I leg, both nations will return home for domestic seasons, but the lessons learned in the desert will echo into the next ICC cycle. Fans can expect Rashid Khan to continue chasing his next wicket milestone, while Saif Hassan hopes to turn his debut nerves into a steady international career.