Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by four wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series at Sharjah. Afghanistan posted 151/9 in 20 overs, thanks to blazing knocks from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi.

While chasing, Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan struck blazing half-centuries, making the target look easy for Bangladesh. However, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan sparked a mid-innings collapse with four wickets in just two overs, causing brief panic. Despite the setback, Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain guided Bangladesh to victory with eight balls remaining, rescuing their team after a dramatic collapse in which they lost six wickets for just nine runs in 25 balls.

Bangladesh Start Strong with the Ball

Bangladesh’s bowlers started well despite Taskin Ahmed going for three fours in the first over. Nasum Ahmed removed Ibrahim Zadran with a perfect delivery as the batter went for a slog. Tanzim Hasan trapped Sediqullah Atal lbw, giving a simple catch to Emon at slip. A mix-up between Darwish Rasooli and Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Mustafizur Rahman’s bowling led to Rasooli’s wicket, as Afghanistan lost three wickets in the powerplay. Mohammad Ishaq also fell in Rishad Hossain’s first over, keeping the pressure on.

Openers Punish Afghan Bowling

Bangladesh’s innings took off when Emon attacked Mohammad Nabi for 16 runs in the fifth over. Two dropped catches in the same over allowed him to continue: he hit a six off the first ball, survived a drop by Gurbaz on the fourth ball, and smashed another six off the next. Fareed Ahmad also dropped a simple catch off the final delivery of the over. Tanzid Hasan joined the action, hitting massive sixes off Nabi and Noor Ahmad in the seventh and eighth overs. Both openers added more sixes in the tenth over off Sharafuddin Ashraf and completed Bangladesh’s first century partnership against Afghanistan in T20Is.

Rashid Turns the Tide

Fareed Ahmad had dropped Emon earlier on 27, but redeemed himself by dismissing the batter for 54 off 37 balls in the 12th over. Rashid then unleashed his magic. His first googly removed Saif Hassan, whose front-foot prod failed to save him. Rashid finished the over by dismissing Tanzid Hasan for 51, caught off a clever edge. He then struck again in the next over, claiming both Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain lbw. When Noor Ahmad dismissed Tanzim Hasan shortly after, Bangladesh looked completely out of the contest.

Nurul and Rishad Steer Bangladesh Home

Bangladesh’s last recognized batters, Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain, stitched a calm, match-winning partnership. Despite Nurul’s recent struggles and Rishad’s poor form, they played with composure. Nurul hit two sixes in his unbeaten 23, while Rishad struck the winning runs with a boundary, sealing victory with eight balls to spare.

Afghanistan Fight Back Too Late

Afghanistan attempted a comeback after the strong opening stand, but Rashid Khan’s burst and disciplined bowling from other bowlers weren’t enough to stop Bangladesh. Ultimately, Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain’s calm finishing ensured Bangladesh secured a hard-fought four-wicket win.