Bangladesh Edge Afghanistan in Nail-Biting Clash to Clinch T20I Series

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 2 wickets in the second T20I to seal the three-match series with an unassailable 0-2 lead. In a nail-biting contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan batted first and posted 147 runs. Bangladesh chased down target in 19.1 overs with 8 wickets down securing a dramatic victory.

Match Highlights

• Afghanistan: 147/5 (20 overs)
• Bangladesh: 150/8 (Target achieved in 19.1 overs)
• Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets clinching series 0-2
• Key Players:
  • Bangladesh: Nurul Hasan 31* (21 balls), Shoriful Islam 11* (6 balls, plus 4 overs for just 13 runs and 1 wicket)
  • Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai 4/23, Ibrahim Zadran 38, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 30

Shoriful Islam’s All-Round Brilliance

The standout performer for Bangladesh was Shoriful Islam. With the ball, he delivered 4 overs for just 13 runs and 1 wicket putting immense pressure on Afghanistan. Later, under pressure with the bat, he struck an unbeaten 11 off 6 balls guiding his side home with a boundary on the first ball of the final over.

Nurul Hasan and Middle-Order Resistance

Bangladesh’s chase was in deep trouble at 129/8 still needing 19 runs off the last 12 balls. That’s when Nurul Hasan held his nerve. He smashed a crucial six off Noor Ahmad and kept the scoreboard ticking. His unbeaten 31 runs (21 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) anchored innings before Shoriful Islam sealed the win.

Omarzai’s Devastating Spell

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was outstanding with the ball taking 4 wickets for 23 runs in his 4 overs. He removed openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain early, before dismissing Mohammad Saifuddin and Rishad Hossain. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh’s lower order edged past Afghanistan in the final moments.

Innings Summary (Scorecard)

Afghanistan Batting

Bangladesh Batting

Afghanistan’s Slow Start, Bangladesh’s Fightback

Afghanistan’s openers were cautious early on managing only 35 runs in the powerplay. Sediqullah Atal after hitting a six off Rishad Hossainwas caught the very next ball. Ibrahim Zadran also failed to convert his start.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz played aggressively but Shoriful Islam dismissed him on 30 runs halting Afghanistan’s momentum. In the last five overs, Afghanistan could only add 40 runs leaving them short of a strong finish.

Series Overview

With this win, Bangladesh secured the T20I series 0-2 making the third match a dead rubber.

Series So Far:

This victory was not just another win for Bangladesh, it was proof of their ability to handle pressure in crunch moments. While Afghanistan’s bowlers especially Omarzai put up a commendable fight, Bangladesh’s middle order resilience and Shoriful Islam’s heroics ultimately turned the match around.