BAN vs AFG (9th Match) – Highlights
Bangladesh produced a thrilling performance to edge past Afghanistan by eight runs in the 9th match of 2025 T20 Asia Cup Group B at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium. Chasing 155, Afghanistan fell just short after a valiant effort, with Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Nasum Ahmed, turning the game in their favor. The contest was a fine display of competitive T20 cricket, showcasing aggressive batting, tight bowling, and clutch performances under pressure.
BAN innings got off to a steady start with Saif Hassan contributing a measured 30 runs off 28 balls. He provided the foundation for the middle-order fireworks, but it was Tanzid Hasan who stole the spotlight. Hasan’s blistering 52 off 31 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and three sixes, gave Bangladesh the impetus they needed to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs.
Litton Das, captaining the side, struggled to find form and was dismissed for nine, while Towhid Hridoy played a composed knock of 26. Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali added quick runs towards the end, with Nurul Hasan finishing unbeaten at 12, helping Bangladesh post a competitive total of 154 for 5 in their 20 overs. The innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, clever running between the wickets, and timely hitting in the death overs.
AFG chase began disastrously when Sediqullah Atal was trapped lbw by Nasum Ahmed without scoring. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran attempted to stabilize the innings, but the latter fell for just five, giving Bangladesh an early advantage. Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman bowled with control in the middle overs, dismissing key players like Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib, which kept Afghanistan under pressure. Azmatullah Omarzai provided a brief spark with a rapid 30, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad tried to keep the scoreboard ticking in the final overs. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan could only muster 146 for all out, falling short by eight runs.
The match turned on Nasum Ahmed’s exceptional bowling, finishing with figures of 2 for 11 in four overs. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman complemented him perfectly, each picking crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Rishad Hossain’s economical spell also played a significant role in restricting Afghanistan’s scoring rate. AFG bowling, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, was disciplined, but they were unable to contain the aggressive batting of Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy, which ultimately proved decisive.
This result keeps BAN firmly in contention in Group B, boosting their confidence for the remaining matches in the Asia Cup. The performance highlighted the team’s balanced combination of youth and experience, with contributions across the batting and bowling departments. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their middle-order vulnerabilities to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Scoreboard
Bangladesh – 154/5 (20)
Afghanistan – 146/10 (20)
Result – Bangladesh won by 8 runs
Player of the Match – Nasum Ahmed
Nasum Ahmed
BAN vs AFG Playing XIs
Bangladesh | Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c, wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed. |
Afghanistan | Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (c, wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi. |
