DHAKA, Nov 11, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh put up a decent 244-8 in third and final 
ODI against Afghanistan in a bid to clinch the series at the Sharjah Cricket 
Stadium in UAE today. 

Veteran Mahmudullah was dismissed on 98, missing out the fifth ton on what 
could be a graceful feat after a string of poor outing that saw him making 0, 
1, 2, 3 in the last four matches.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 66 on his auspicious day as he led the team for the 
first time in what was his 100th ODI.

He became the fifth Bangladesh batter to hit a half-century on his captaincy 
debut and third one from the country to achieve the feat on his 100th ODI.

Pacer Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 4-37 and sparked a mini collapse that proved 
decisive in denying Bangladesh to reach 250-run mark.

Miraz won the all important toss and opted to bat first, knowing that batting 
first team usually wins the game at this ground.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar once again made a good start but 
continued the habit of throwing out it after being set in the crease.

They shared 53 runs for the opening stand in 8.3 overs after which Omarzai 
rattled the stump of Soumya who made 23 ball-24.

Mohammad Nabi had Tanzid (19) caught by Hashmatullah Shahidi at cover-point 
and Zakir Hasan, playing his first ODI in a year, was trapped run out as 
Bangladesh were reduced to 58-3.

Legspinner Rashid Khan extended Towhid Hridoy's lean patch, having dismissed 
him for 7 with a googly.

With meager 72-4, Bangladesh bounced back in style, thanks to Miraz and 
Mahmudullah.

While under fire Mahmudullah counter punched, Miraz concentrated on keeping 
his wicket by playing watchfully.

Mahmudullah raised his 29th fifty off 63 balls, driving left-arm spinner 
Nangeyalia Kharote to long-off for a single.

But Miraz took 106 balls to reach his 19th fifty as he drove Nabi to long-on 
for a single.

Both of the batters paced the innings after reaching the fifty with 
Mahmudullah particularly on fire, having hit Nabi for maximum for a couple of 
times.

Azmatullah Omarzai baffled Miraz with a slower to bring an end to the 135-run 
partnership between him and Mahmudullah. His 119-ball innings featured only 
four boundaries. 

Omarzai then dismissed Jaker Ali Anik and Nasum Ahmed in quick succession to 
stall Bangladesh's progress.

But to the dismay of the fans, Mahmudullah also found it tough to go for 
lusty shots in the death overs, which eventually denied him the century.

He was trapped run out in the last balls after trying to steal two runs. His 
run-a-ball-knock was studded by seven fours and three sixes.