Bangladeshbegan their three-match ODI series againstAfghanistanwith a five-wicket defeat at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday where the Afghan side chased down 222 with 17 balls to spare.

Bangladesh, after opting to bat first, were bowled out for 221 in 48.5 overs. Their innings was built around a solid fourth-wicket stand between Towhid Hridoy (56 off 85) and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (60 off 87), who added 101 runs after the top order faltered early.

However, the Tigers lost momentum once Rashid Khan struck twice in quick succession. Rashid (3/38) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/40) were the pick of the Afghan bowlers, while Nangeyalia Kharote and Ghazanfar provided excellent support.

In reply, Afghanistan’s chase was steady and measured. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Rahmat Shah (50) guided the innings after early wickets, adding 78 runs for the third wicket.

Omarzai (40 off 44) played a vital role later in the innings with aggressive strokeplay, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (33 off 46)* anchored the chase until the end. Mohammad Nabi (11 off 8)* sealed the win with a six.

For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with figures of 3 for 31, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam chipped in with one wicket each.

Afghanistan reached 226 for 5 in 47.1 overs, taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The teams will meet again in the second ODI at the same venue on Saturday, where Bangladesh will aim to bounce back and keep the series alive.