Afghanistan continued their impressive run in the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The result secured Afghanistan’s place in the final against Zimbabwe while bringing Bangladesh’s campaign to an end. Although Rashid Khan’s outstanding bowling and captain Rahmat Shah’s composed batting played crucial roles in the victory, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi stole the spotlight with a remarkable catch at slip that showcased his exceptional reflexes.
Mohammad Nabi pulls off a stunning catch to dismiss Aliss Al Islam
The moment arrived during the closing stages of Bangladesh’s innings when Rashid bowled the first delivery of the 42nd over to Aliss Al Islam. The leg-spinner delivered a full ball around off stump, which hurried on after pitching and forced the batter into a tentative push.
Islam failed to keep his outside edge away from the ball, sending it towards Nabi at slip. The experienced Afghan fielder reacted quickly, diving to his left to reach the thick edge. Although the ball slipped out of his hands on the first attempt, Nabi refused to give up on the opportunity.
Showing remarkable awareness while tumbling towards the ground, he stretched out his right hand and completed the catch on his second attempt. The dismissal was referred to the third umpire to determine whether Nabi had maintained control and taken the ball cleanly. Replays confirmed that his fingers were underneath the ball, allowing the on-field decision to stand. The spectacular effort dismissed Al Islam and gave Rashid his third wicket of the innings at that stage.
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 difficult afternoon with the bat, managing only 160 runs before being bowled out in 41.2 overs. Their innings suffered an early setback as Afghanistan’s bowlers reduced them to 38/4, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.
Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan subsequently attempted to rescue the innings with a determined partnership. Emon top-scored with 70 off 96 deliveries, while Saif contributed 41 from 82 balls. Their 83-run stand offered Bangladesh a chance to rebuild, but the lower order could not capitalise on their efforts.
Rashid proved particularly destructive during the latter stages, finishing with excellent figures of 4/31. His disciplined bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s remaining batting resources and earned him the Player of the Match award.
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Rahmat Shah guides Afghanistan into the final
Afghanistan lost both opening batters, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, cheaply to Taskin Ahmed, who finished with 2/36. However, the early wickets did little to disrupt Afghanistan’s pursuit of the modest target. Rahmat provided stability with a composed unbeaten 67 off 90 deliveries. Ibrahim Zadran supported him with 34, while former captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 36 as Afghanistan reached the target in 35.3 overs.
The comprehensive victory confirmed Afghanistan’s place in the final, where they will face Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 23. With Rashid leading the bowling attack and the batting unit delivering under pressure, Afghanistan will enter the title clash with considerable confidence.
