Gurbaz-Omarzai stand turned the game — Simmons

The head coach of Bangladesh, Phil Simmons, credited Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai’s century combination with paving the way for Afghanistan’s series-ending triumph in the third ODI in Sharjah. In addition, the West Indian thought the third ODI’s pitch was far superior than the ones used for the first two games.

Afghanistan had held Bangladesh to 143 in the chase and won the opening ODI by 92 runs. In the second match, Bangladesh paid it forward by defeating Afghanistan by 68 runs while successfully defending a score of 252. Bangladesh put Afghanistan in a precarious position in the third ODI, chasing 245 at 84/3 in the 21st over, but a 100-run fourth wicket partnership between Gurbaz (101) and Omarzai (70*) got his team over the finish line.

“I think they started to build a partnership when Omarzai came in,” Simmons told reporters following the game. These two hitters are dangerous. They were going to form a strong partnership if we did not get a wicket at that moment. Things took a turn at that point.

It is among Sharjah’s best wickets in a very long time. In the first two games, it was challenging to bat second, but in the third ODI, it was fantastic to bat all the way through, and the groundsmen deserve praise for their wickets today,” he remarked.

Simmons, however, promised to develop Nahid Rana going forward and commended him for his performance in his first ODI. Considered Bangladesh’s fastest bowler, the 22-year-old right-arm pacer had demonstrated his ability in red-ball cricket. He finished the third ODI with statistics of 2–40 after dismissing Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal with a 147 kph beauty that went through his bat and pad.

According to Simmons, “Rana bowled extremely well today.” “Path cannot be purchased. It is impossible to teach individuals to be fast. It comes naturally to Rana. We shall make every effort to nurture it. He has a mentality of bowling quickly, which makes him a fascinating talent. What I see is wonderful.

Simmons also commended Mahmudullah for saving the side from being reduced to 72 for four in the 15th over with his run-a-ball 98 and his 145-run fifth wicket partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (66 off 119).

“I thought Mahmudullah’s innings was outstanding. In the first two games, he went a little too early. He took his time today. Simmons declared, “Once he got in, he scored simple enough.” “I believe the collaboration was fruitful. While Mahmudullah was scoring a lot of goals at the opposite end, (Miraz) appeared to be moving slowly. Sometimes partnerships are like that.

On November 22, Bangladesh will embark on a two-Test series in the West Indies, which will be followed by three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is. Two of their senior players, Najmul Hossain Shanto (groin injury) and Mushfiqur Rahim (finger injury), will be sidelined.

Regarding the forthcoming tour, Simmons stated, “I expect the cricket to be just as difficult as the two Tests against South Africa and this series.” “I believe the conditions in which we play in St. Kitts for the ODIs are comparable. I have no idea how St. Vincent has changed. Jamaica and Antigua will be excellent wickets.

“Cricket will be difficult. The majority of the guys are eager to see what we can do. We have a few injuries, which is unfortunate, but it allows other players to demonstrate their abilities,” Simmons remarked.