Bangladesh secured their first-ever victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a 68-run win in the second ODI against Afghanistan, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 76 runs and leading the team in a match that was vital after their 92-run defeat in the first game, which saw a dramatic collapse of 8 wickets for just 23 runs.
 
The win was historic for Bangladesh, marking their first-ever victory at Sharjah, a venue they have played at since 1990. However, despite the achievement, Shanto felt there was still room for improvement. He mentioned that he could have batted longer, acknowledging the difficulty of the wicket against spin. He also praised the efforts of his spinners, particularly Miraz and Nasum, for their excellent bowling. 
 
The turning point for Bangladesh came in the final five overs, where Jaker Ali’s aggressive finishing helped them score 52 runs, giving their total a significant boost. Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged that the last five overs made the difference and pointed out that Bangladesh's strong finish shifted the momentum in their favor. Shahidi also mentioned that Afghanistan’s failure to build partnerships in their chase, combined with losing wickets in quick succession, cost them the match.
 
With the series tied, both teams will be looking to secure the series win in the final ODI.