Afghanistan Secure Tri-Series Final Spot with Dominant Win Over Bangladesh as Nabi Produces Slip Masterclass

Afghanistan maintained their dominant form in the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The result booked Afghanistan’s place in the final against Zimbabwe, while ending Bangladesh’s tournament campaign. While Rashid Khan’s incisive bowling and captain Rahmat Shah’s composed chase were instrumental, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi captured the headlines with a spectacular reflex catch at slip.

Mohammad Nabi pulls off a stunning catch to dismiss Aliss Al Islam

The defining moment arrived late in Bangladesh’s innings when Rashid Khan delivered the opening ball of the 42nd over to Aliss Al Islam. The leg-spinner fired a full delivery around off stump that hurried onto the batter, forcing a tentative push. Islam could only edge the ball towards Nabi at first slip. The experienced fielder reacted instantly, diving to his left to pouch the thick edge. Though the ball initially spilled from his grasp, Nabi displayed remarkable awareness while tumbling, stretching his right hand to complete the catch on the second attempt. The dismissal was referred to the third umpire to verify the cleanliness of the grab; replays confirmed Nabi’s fingers were firmly under the ball, upholding the on-field decision. The spectacular effort removed Al Islam and gave Rashid his third wicket of the spell.

Here’s the video:

ICYMI: WHAT A GRAB, @MohammadNabi007! #AFGvBAN | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam | #ThreeTeamsOneSpirit pic.twitter.com/1wLXHQimcN

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 21, 2026

Rashid Khan destroys Bangladesh after early collapse

Bangladesh endured a miserable afternoon with the bat, crumbling to 160 all out in 41.2 overs. Their innings unraveled early as Afghanistan’s bowlers reduced them to 38 for four, applying immediate pressure. Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan offered resistance with a determined 83-run partnership. Emon anchored the innings with a patient 70 off 96 balls, while Saif contributed 41 from 82 deliveries. However, the lower order failed to build on the platform. Rashid Khan proved devastating during the latter stages, finishing with superb figures of 4 for 31. His disciplined spell dismantled the remaining batting order and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Rahmat Shah guides Afghanistan into the final

Afghanistan’s chase suffered an early wobble when Taskin Ahmed removed both openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, finishing with two for 36. However, the early blows barely dented the pursuit of a modest target. Captain Rahmat Shah provided the anchor, crafting an unbeaten 67 off 90 balls. Ibrahim Zadran offered valuable support with 34, before former captain Hashmatullah Shahidi saw the side home with an unbeaten 36, sealing victory in 35.3 overs. The emphatic win confirms Afghanistan’s place in the final against Zimbabwe at Sharjah on October 23. With Rashid spearheading a potent attack and the batting unit delivering under pressure, Afghanistan will approach the title decider with significant momentum.

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