Bangladesh edged past Afghanistan by eight runs in a thrilling Group B match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi. With the help of a blazing half-century from Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh posted 154/5 in their 20 overs.

While chasing, Afghanistan lost early wickets, but composed knocks by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai kept them in the contest until the final over. Rashid Khan also displayed some late fireworks.

However, the Bangladeshi bowlers held their nerve. Nasum Ahmed (2/11 in 4 overs) and Rishad Hossain (2/18 in 4 overs) kept things tight in the middle overs, while Mustafizur Rahman (3/28 in 4 overs) made a crucial impact at the death to seal the win.

Tanzid’s Blazing Start Sets Platform

Earlier, Bangladesh seemed on course for a big total thanks to Tanzid Hasan, whose aggressive batting gave the team early momentum. He smashed a 31-ball 52, hitting six boundaries in his first 12 balls.

Tanzid had some luck along the way, including a thick edge between the wicketkeeper and first slip when he was on just two runs. Still, he capitalized on his chances and powered Bangladesh to 59 runs in the powerplay, almost 40% of their eventual total.

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers clawed back control in the middle overs. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad were outstanding, conceding only 49 runs in their combined eight overs while taking four wickets. Their effort reduced Bangladesh’s scoring rate and restricted them to a total that seemed about 20 runs short of a winning score.

Spin Battle Decides the Middle Overs

The match was heavily influenced by spin on a tricky surface. For Afghanistan, Rashid and Noor led the charge, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order after Tanzid’s fiery start.

On the other hand, Nasum and Rishad Hossain returned the favor during Afghanistan’s chase. Nasum finished with 2 for 9, while Rishad ended with 2 for 18, despite dropping a simple catch of Ibrahim Zadran early on.

The key difference came in the powerplays. Bangladesh dominated the first six overs in both innings — first with the bat through Tanzid, and then with the ball through Nasum’s tight spell.

Mustafizur and Taskin Hold Nerve at the Death

Even with Afghanistan struggling, the game was not over. With 53 runs needed off the final five overs and five wickets in hand, Afghanistan still had a fighting chance, especially with Azmatullah Omarzai at the crease.

However, Bangladesh’s seamers kept their composure. Taskin Ahmed, playing his first match of the tournament, struck a crucial blow by dismissing Omarzai. He finished with 2 for 34, providing vital breakthroughs at key moments.

Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman showcased his experience with exceptional death bowling. He claimed three wickets for 28 runs, including the vital dismissal of Rashid Khan, who had threatened to pull off a late upset with a pair of audacious no-look boundaries.

Rashid admitted after the game that 31 runs needed off the last three overs was “not beyond the realms of modern T20 batting,” but credited Taskin and Mustafizur for holding their nerve in a high-pressure finish.

In the end, Bangladesh’s powerplay dominance and death bowling brilliance made the difference. Tanzid’s explosive start and Mustafizur’s calm finish combined to secure a win that keeps Bangladesh’s qualification hopes alive.

Afghanistan, despite a spirited fightback, were left to rue their slow start and missed opportunities.

Brief Scorecard