Bangladesh Clinches Series with Victory Over Afghanistan

SHARJAH: Bangladesh secured an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the three-match series against Afghanistan, triumphing in the second T20I by two wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. This victory was propelled by a collaborative bowling performance and an impressive unbeaten 31 from Nurul Hasan.

Afghanistan, after being put in to bat, managed to score 147/5 in their 20 overs. The scoring was restricted by disciplined bowling from Nasum Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.

Afghanistan initiated their innings dynamically, with openers Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran constructing a rapid 55-run partnership. Rishad Hossain disrupted their momentum by dismissing Atal in the eighth over.

Atal’s aggressive innings included two sixes and one four, culminating in 23 runs from 19 balls.

Zadran then engaged in a short 16-run partnership for the second wicket before Nasum claimed his wicket in the 11th over. Zadran was the highest scorer, contributing 38 runs off 37 balls, which included three fours and one six.

Following Zadran’s departure, Afghanistan experienced a series of regular wickets, falling to 118/5 by the 17th over. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi briefly stabilized the innings with an unbroken 29-run partnership from 22 balls.

Nabi hit a quick 20 runs off 12 balls, marked by two fours and one six, while Omarzai scored 19 runs from 17 balls, including one six.

For Bangladesh, Nasum and Rishad each took two wickets, and Taskin Ahmed added one.

In pursuit of the 148-run target, Bangladesh reached the required score with eight wickets down and five balls remaining.

Bangladesh faced an early setback, as Omarzai’s double strike reduced them to 24/3 in the fifth over.

Following this shaky start, captain Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain stabilized the chase with a crucial 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Afghanistan’s captain broke this vital partnership in the 11th over, dismissing Jaker, who scored 32 runs from 25 balls, including two sixes and two fours.

Shamim then partnered with Hasan, adding 22 runs for the fifth wicket before Noor Ahmad dismissed Shamim. Shamim was Bangladesh’s top scorer with a brisk 33 runs off 22 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes.

After Shamim’s dismissal, Bangladesh lost three more wickets, but Hasan remained composed, guiding Bangladesh to victory with an unbeaten 31 runs off 21 balls, decorated with three sixes and one four.

Omarzai stood out as Afghanistan’s leading bowler, capturing four wickets for 23 runs in just over three overs, followed by Rashid Khan with two, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, each securing one.

With this two-wicket victory, Bangladesh has secured a 2-0 series lead against Afghanistan in the three-match series. The final match will take place at the same venue on Sunday.