Bangladesh kept their Asia Cup 2025 hopes alive with a close eight-run win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. After choosing to bat first, Bangladesh started strongly with Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan adding 63 runs in the powerplay. Tanzid scored a quick half-century in just 28 balls, hitting seven boundaries on his way to 52 from 31 balls.
But Afghanistan’s spinners fought back well. Noor Ahmad (2/23) and Rashid Khan (2/26) slowed down the scoring and dismissed Litton Das, Saif Hassan, and Shamim Hossain. As a result, Bangladesh could only post 154/5 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan’s innings started badly when Nasum Ahmed got Sediqullah Atal out LBW with the first ball. He later dismissed Ibrahim Zadran during the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib tried to rebuild, but Rishad Hossain’s two quick wickets pushed Afghanistan further behind.
Azmatullah Omarzai gave hope with some big sixes, scoring 30 runs off just 16 balls, but Taskin Ahmed got him out at a crucial moment. Captain Rashid Khan fought hard with 20 runs from 11 balls, but in the 19th over Mustafizur Rahman bowled brilliantly, giving away only five runs and dismissing Rashid, which almost confirmed Bangladesh’s win.
Afghanistan needed 22 runs in the last over. Noor Ahmad hit two sixes to close the gap, but was out on the final ball, ending their innings at 146.
Who Said What?
Nasum Ahmed Shines with Match-Winning Bowling
I always fancy bowling with the new ball, that’s what the captain has asked me to do. I love that challenge. There was a lot of sweat today so gripping the ball was a challenge but I enjoy these challenges.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan (Losing Captain)
We stayed in the game until the end but couldn’t finish it. Scoring 30 runs off 18 balls was achievable. We didn’t play our usual attacking cricket and put too much pressure on ourselves. Bowling was excellent, keeping them under 160, but our batting included some careless shots. In T20, the opposition can take control in the first six overs, and then you must fight back. We learned a lot from this match. Every game in the Asia Cup is important, and we must be well prepared for the tough challenge against Sri Lanka.
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to Victory
Winning the match was a relief, but our batting in the last 4-5 overs was not good. I felt we had enough runs, yet it seemed we were 15-20 short. Nasum and Rishad bowled exceptionally well and showed great skill. Tamim also batted very well, and the opening partnership was very important. We’ll see how the next games go.
FAQ
What was the result of the match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 8 runs in a closely contested Asia Cup 2025 match in Abu Dhabi.
Who contributed to Bangladesh’s batting success?
Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan provided a strong start, with Tanzid scoring 52 off 31 balls. Tamim also batted well, helping the team set 154/5 in 20 overs.
Which Bangladesh bowlers were crucial in defending the total?
Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain were key, taking important wickets and restricting Afghanistan in the final overs.
How did Afghanistan perform in their chase?
Rashid Khan scored 20 off 11 balls, and Azmatullah Omarzai hit 30 off 16 balls, but Afghanistan fell short, getting all out for 146.
