Bilal Sami Shines with Five-Wicket Haul as Afghanistan Whitewashes Bangladesh in ODI Series

In a dominant display during the final match of the 2025 ODI series against Bangladesh, Afghan fast bowler Bilal Sami delivered a remarkable performance by claiming five wickets, helping Afghanistan secure a 200-run victory and complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

Held in Abu Dhabi, the third ODI saw Bangladesh post a total of 293/9 in their 50 overs. In response, Bilal Sami spearheaded a fiery Afghan bowling attack that dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup for just 93 runs.

Bilal, only 21 years old and playing his second ODI, finished with figures of 5/33 from 7.1 overs at an economy rate of 4.60. This performance marked his maiden five-wicket haul in One Day Internationals, a feat that places him among a select group of Afghan bowlers achieving this against Bangladesh. He became the third Afghan bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in ODIs alongside spin legends Allah Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan, who have previously achieved similar milestones.

Bilal Sami's rise to the international stage was accelerated after he replaced Mohammad Saleem in Afghanistan's squad due to Saleem's groin injury. Despite limited international experience, Sami had already shown promise with 44 wickets in 25 List A matches and performances in the Under-19 World Cup. His recent domestic form, including ten wickets at an average of 22.90 in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament, underscored his readiness for the international spotlight.

This comprehensive victory not only showcased Bilal Sami's potential as a fast bowling prospect for Afghanistan but also helped the team assert their dominance over Bangladesh in the 2025 ODI series after previously losing the T20I series.