BAN VS AFG T20I

Right then, that is it from this exciting clash, where Bangladesh stays alive with a fine victory over Afghanistan and opens up Group B. Now, we move to Dubai for a clash in Group A between the hosts, UAE and Pakistan on 17th September, Wednesday. It will begin at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

The victorious captain of Bangladesh, LITTON DAS, is all smiles. He begins by saying that winning the game has given them a bit of relief. Also humbly admits that they didn't bat well in the last few overs and feels they were 15-20 runs short. Appreciates the way Nasum and Rishad bowled was special and says they really showed their character and skill. Also says that Tanzid Hasan batted well and that the opening partnership was crucial. On being asked whether he will be supporting Sri Lanka against Afghanistan, he cheekily says he will see.

The captain of Afghanistan, RASHID KHAN, says that they were in the game for the most part but couldn't finish it off. Adds that 30-odd runs in 18 balls is quite gettable nowadays, but he says they didn't play their usual attacking cricket, which cost them. Mentions that it was a 160-165 wicket, but the batters were a bit irresponsible with their shot selection. Praises his bowlers for the way they came back in the game and restricted Bangladesh under 160 after the start they got. Tells that every game is a big one, as in the Asia Cup, you don't play many matches, and they have a huge match coming up against Sri Lanka, and he hopes that they do not repeat the same mistakes.

Bangladesh's NASUM AHMED is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent bowling figures of 4-1-11-2.  He set the tone for his side with a wicket-maiden. He walks up for a chat and someone from the Bangladesh camp is there to translate in English. He says that he fancies bowling with the new ball. Adds that the skipper told him to bowl the first over and he was ready to take up the challenge. Mentions that there was a lot of sweat, so it was a bit challenging to grip the ball, but also says that he likes these kind of challenges.

Presentation Time..

Bangladesh might have felt they were 10-15 runs short, but they more than made up for it with outstanding fielding and sheer intensity that showed how badly they wanted this. Nasum Ahmed struck early with a couple of quick wickets to set the tone, and the bowlers kept things tight for the most part. The only blip came from the four overs of part-timers, which went for 55 runs. Still, Rishad Hossain was brilliant through the middle overs with two key strikes, and the pace pair of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman combined for five wickets to close the game out in style, much to the delight of their nation and passionate supporters.

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh put up a competitive total, though given the start they had, they might feel they left some runs out there. The openers set the tone beautifully, with Saif Hassan contributing 30-odd runs and Tanzid Hasan anchoring the innings with a fine half-century. However, the middle order couldn’t quite build on that momentum. Tawhid Hridoy chipped in with a handy cameo, but the late flourish they would have hoped for never really arrived. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad were excellent in the middle overs, sharing four wickets between them and applying the squeeze, while Azmatullah Omarzai also made an impact with one wicket.

Afghanistan weren’t chasing a huge total, but as we know, pressure can play tricks. They never really found momentum and were on the back foot early, losing both the in-form Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran inside the Powerplay. The silver lining was Rahmanullah Gurbaz showing signs of returning to form, which could be vital for the next match, though his knock of 35 ended at a crucial juncture. With little support from the other end, the middle order faltered, and while Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan chipped in with brief cameos to keep hopes alive, the sluggish start proved costly as they eventually went down by 8 runs.

After seven one-sided games in the Asia Cup 2025, Group B has finally produced back-to-back thrillers, setting the stage up nicely. Afghanistan would have loved to secure qualification before their final group match, but Bangladesh stood firm and denied them that chance. The wait continues for the Afghans to chase down a target of over 150 in this format against a full-member Asian side, while for Bangladesh, this was a landmark win – their first-ever T20I victory over Afghanistan away from home.

BANGLADESH KEEP THEIR HOPES ALIVE IN THE ASIA CUP 2025! The qualification picture isn’t entirely in their control, but they’ve done their part and stayed in the race. In this must-win encounter, the Bangla Tigers delivered when it mattered most, and now Afghanistan find themselves under pressure too. What’s next? The upcoming clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan becomes the decider. If Sri Lanka triumph, both they and Bangladesh move into the Super Four, but if Afghanistan come out on top, it will spell the end of Bangladesh’s campaign.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A slower ball from Taskin, at 115 kph, full and around off. Noor Ahmad swings through the line, hits it aerially, but slices it off the bat, and hence, does not get the distance required. Sails it straight down the throat of Nurul Hasan stationed at the long off fence. Nurul doesn't have to move a muscle and takes a simple catch. Taskin Ahmed finishes with two wickets. Disappointing faces in the Afghan hut, and exact contrary emotions in the opposite dugout. BANGLADESH WIN BY 8 RUNS!

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A slower ball from Taskin, at 115 kph, full and around off. Noor Ahmad swings through the line, hits it aerially, but slices it off the bat, and hence, does not get the distance required. Sails it straight down the throat of Nurul Hasan stationed at the long off fence. Nurul doesn't have to move a muscle and takes a simple catch. Taskin Ahmed finishes with two wickets. Disappointing faces in the Afghan hut, and exact contrary emotions in the opposite dugout. BANGLADESH WIN BY 8 RUNS!

SIX! Clears the ropes! This is going to hurt Bangladesh's net run rate to an extent even if they win! Hard length, on top of middle. Noor Ahmad backs away and brings the bat horizontally to smash it over Rishad Hossain, who leaps from long on but the ball sails over him for half a dozen! Oh, hang on, it seems like Rishad Hossain got his fingertips on the ball and just tipped it over the ropes. Litton Das is not happy.

Excellent execution from Taskin Ahmed! A pinpoint yorker, on off, Noor Ahmad carves it out to the mid off region.

SIX! Sails all the way! Still not over! Taskin serves it right into the wheelhouse, full and on middle. Noor Ahmad clears the front leg away and smokes it downtown for a six. 15 needed off 3 balls!

Slower one, on the leg stump line, on a good length. Noor Ahmad swings across the line to pull but misses.

Length-delivery, outside off, Fazalhaq Farooqi creates room and tries to slash it away, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball shoots past the right of the diving Litton Das and runs behind to the left of deep third for a single. 20 needed off the last 5 balls!

Taskin Ahmed to bowl the last over. He has 21 runs to play with, but his aim will be to bowl out Afghanistan here.