This Week
Now
This Week
Now
Cricket fans were treated to another thrilling encounter as the Bangladesh National Cricket Team faced off against the Afghanistan National Cricket Team in the latest chapter of their fast-growing rivalry. Known for producing unpredictable and competitive matches, both sides once again showcased passion, precision, and high-intensity cricket under the bright lights of the UAE.
The contest had everything a T20 fan could ask for — explosive batting, smart bowling changes, and moments of brilliance in the field. As the series opener unfolded, Bangladesh aimed to continue their strong form, while Afghanistan looked to assert their trademark fighting spirit.
Here’s the complete match scorecard, highlights, and post-match insights from this highly anticipated game.
The first T20I between Bangladesh and Afghanistan was played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates — a neutral venue that has hosted several memorable encounters between these two teams. Both sides entered the match with something to prove: Bangladesh, eager to solidify their dominance in limited-overs cricket, and Afghanistan, hungry to bounce back after recent close defeats.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first, looking to take advantage of the evening dew and early movement on the pitch. Bangladesh, however, started confidently, displaying a composed batting performance that gradually built momentum as the innings progressed.
With both teams boasting strong line-ups and a mix of experienced campaigners and young talents, the stage was set for an evenly matched contest that lived up to its billing.
Batting first, Bangladesh made a solid start thanks to their top-order pairing of Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar, who set the tone early with aggressive intent. The duo rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, guiding Bangladesh to 45 without loss in the powerplay.
After Sarkar fell for a quick 28, Litton continued to anchor the innings, building partnerships with Towhid Hridoy and Shakib Al Hasan. The middle overs saw a measured approach — boundaries came regularly but responsibly, as Bangladesh aimed to preserve wickets for a strong finish.
Towhid Hridoy’s late acceleration proved decisive. His 34 off just 20 balls, including two massive sixes in the final overs, lifted Bangladesh to a competitive total of 172 for 6 in 20 overs.
Mujeeb ur Rahman and Rashid Khan were Afghanistan’s best bowlers, using their variations to slow the scoring rate in the middle phase. However, the Bangladeshi batters handled spin with maturity and ensured they finished with the momentum heading into the second innings.
Despite facing a disciplined and confident Bangladesh batting lineup, Afghanistan’s bowlers showed impressive control through key phases of the innings. Mujeeb ur Rahman struck early breakthroughs with his deceptive flight and sharp turn, dismissing Soumya Sarkar just as the opener looked set for a big score.
Rashid Khan once again proved why he is one of the most feared T20 bowlers in the world. Bowling with precision and aggression, he removed Shakib Al Hasan with a perfectly disguised googly and kept the run rate in check through the middle overs. His spell of 2 for 24 in 4 overs was a masterclass in control under pressure.
Naveen-ul-Haq also played his part, executing pinpoint yorkers at the death to prevent a late onslaught from the Bangladeshi tail.
However, Afghanistan’s biggest challenge came in the final overs, where Bangladesh managed to find boundaries against the seamers and push the total beyond 170 — a score that would test any chasing side on this surface.
Chasing 173 was never going to be easy against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, but Afghanistan began their innings with intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided an explosive start, smashing 3 boundaries in the opening overs and putting early pressure on the Bangladeshi pacers. At 50 for 1 after the powerplay, the Afghan camp looked well on track.
However, once spin was introduced, the momentum shifted. Shakib Al Hasan’s experience and Mahedi Hasan’s tight control in the middle overs slowed the scoring rate dramatically. Najibullah Zadran attempted to rebuild with a composed 38 off 30 balls, but regular wickets at the other end prevented any sustained partnership.
By the 15th over, the required run rate had climbed above 11, leaving too much to do in the final stages. Despite a late cameo from Karim Janat (22 off 11), Afghanistan eventually fell short, finishing at 157 for 8 in 20 overs — 15 runs behind Bangladesh’s total.
The innings was a mix of promise and missed opportunities: early aggression, a steady middle phase, but not enough firepower to overcome Bangladesh’s tactical depth.
Bangladesh’s bowlers executed their plans to near perfection, blending pace variation, accuracy, and smart field placements to control the innings from start to finish. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam once again proved his growing reputation as a dependable T20 specialist. He struck in the third over, dismissing Hazratullah Zazai with a sharp inswinger that set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Taskin Ahmed used the short ball cleverly, maintaining pressure with tight lengths during the powerplay, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan operated brilliantly in tandem during the middle overs. Their combined figures of 2 for 42 in 8 overs effectively shut down Afghanistan’s chase between overs 7 and 15.
When the game entered its decisive phase, Shoriful Islam returned to deliver under pressure, nailing his yorkers and conceding just seven runs in the 19th over. His final figures — 3 wickets for 25 runs — rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bangladesh’s balanced attack, combining pace, spin, and sharp fielding, ultimately made the difference and sealed a well-deserved victory.
After an early breakthrough from Mujeeb ur Rahman, Litton Das steadied the innings with a composed half-century.
His balance between caution and controlled aggression helped Bangladesh build a strong platform and set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Rashid’s brilliance in the 12th over — removing Shakib Al Hasan and Afif Hossain in quick succession — briefly put Afghanistan back in control.
It was a reminder of how one world-class spinner can change the rhythm of a T20 game.
Hridoy’s explosive cameo (34 off 20) in the final overs pushed Bangladesh past 170, adding the momentum that would later prove decisive.
The spin duo bowled with discipline through the middle overs, conceding just 42 runs in 8 overs and dismantling Afghanistan’s chase rhythm.
Their control turned a promising pursuit into a desperate scramble.
In the dying moments, Shoriful Islam’s calm under pressure sealed the game.
His back-to-back yorkers in the 19th over broke Afghanistan’s final resistance and secured the victory.
The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan rivalry continues to deliver cricket that’s both tactical and unpredictable. This latest encounter was a showcase of how small moments — a dropped catch, a mistimed shot, or a precise yorker — can change the entire momentum of a T20 match.
Bangladesh’s improvement under pressure has been one of the standout stories of the past year. According to match data and form trends observed by ElonBet, Bangladesh’s bowling unit has significantly increased its powerplay efficiency and death-over control compared to the 2024 season. Their ability to adapt field placements and vary pace was clearly visible in this game.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Their batting lineup remains dangerous, but overreliance on top-order power hitters left them exposed once Bangladesh’s spinners tightened control in the middle overs.
Both teams remain strong contenders ahead of the next T20I — with Bangladesh currently holding the psychological edge thanks to their discipline and composure under pressure.
With Bangladesh taking the early lead in the series, all eyes now turn to the second T20I, scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi later this week. Afghanistan will be desperate to level the series, while Bangladesh will look to maintain their winning momentum and test their squad depth ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.
Key matchups to watch include Rashid Khan vs Shakib Al Hasan in the spin department, and the opening battle between Gurbaz and Shoriful Islam, both in excellent form. The pitch in Abu Dhabi is expected to offer more bounce and pace, setting up a different tactical challenge for both sides.
Cricket fans can expect another thrilling encounter — full of intensity, skill, and moments that could go either way. Analysts from ElonBet predict another close contest, with both teams evenly matched in terms of talent and recent form.
As this rivalry continues to grow, one thing is certain — Bangladesh vs Afghanistan has quietly become one of the most entertaining fixtures in modern cricket.