In a hard-fought third ODI in Sharjah, Afghanistan clinched the series 2-1 against Bangladesh with a 5-wicket victory on Monday, November 11, 2024. Bangladesh, led by stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz due to Najmul Hossain Shanto's injury, put up a score of 244 but struggled to defend it as Afghanistan chased it down with ten balls to spare, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz's century and Azmatullah Omarzai's impactful all-round performance.

Reflecting on the defeat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz praised his team’s effort, especially the steady partnership he shared with Mahmudullah, who scored a crucial 98 off 98 balls. Explaining the decision to bat first, Miraz noted that spin on the wicket in previous matches had influenced the team’s strategy, although they couldn’t capitalize fully on the conditions. "It was a tough job," Miraz shared. "The boys played really well, especially the partnership between Mahmudullah and me. We saw in the last two matches that the wicket was spinning, and that is why we wanted to bat (first). Some dew is coming (tonight), so the ball is coming too easy."

Miraz further acknowledged Afghanistan's composed chase, led by Gurbaz and Omarzai, and highlighted a gap in Bangladesh’s bowling during the middle overs. "Credit goes to them," he said, "they played really well, especially Gurbaz and Omarzai. We did not take wickets in the middle overs." Miraz also took a moment to appreciate Nahid Rana's impressive debut performance. Rana’s accurate pace bowling earned him two wickets, including opener Sediqullah Atal’s key dismissal, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed by the captain. "(On Nahid Rana) He is playing well," Miraz added.

Despite the loss, Miraz’s praise for his players reflects confidence in the team’s potential as they move forward.