Bangladesh Edge Afghanistan by 8 Runs in Asia Cup Thriller

Oct, 15 2025

When Litton Das, Bangladesh captain won the toss and chose to bat, the stakes for Group B of the DP World Asia Cup 2025Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates instantly rose. Bangladesh posted 154/5 in their allotted 20 overs and held off a fierce Afghan chase, finishing at 146 all out. The eight‑run margin kept the Tigers alive in the race for the Super Four stage.

How the innings unfolded

The opening partnership was the story’s backbone. Tanzid Hasan blasted a blistering 52 off just 31 balls, lobbing four boundaries in a single over off the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi. His teammate Saif Hassan added a steady 30, giving Bangladesh a solid 63‑run platform before the first wicket fell.

At the halfway mark the scoreboard read 87/1, a figure that suggested a comfortable total. But the Afghan duo of Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan turned the tide, each picking up two wickets to stall Bangladesh’s momentum.

Bangladesh’s real turning point came with the early breakthrough of Nasum Ahmed. His first over produced a wicket maiden, sending Sediqullah Atal back for a golden duck. That early strike set the tone for a disciplined bowling effort.

Afghanistan’s chase: hope and heartbreak

Afghanistan needed 155 to win, but the target quickly seemed a mountain after they slipped to 77/5. The breakthrough came when Taskin Ahmed dismissed the dangerous Mohammad Omarzai. ESPN’s Wasim Jaffer called it ‘the turning point in Afghanistan’s chase.’

With 22 runs required from the final over and just one wicket left, the battle turned into a nail‑biter. Noor Ahmad smashed a six but was caught on the very last ball, sealing a 146 all‑out finish.

Key bowler Mustafizur Rahman delivered death‑overs magic, picking up crucial wickets, while Rishad Hossain kept the pressure on in the middle overs.

Coaching staff and officials

Behind the scenes, Bangladesh’s campaign is steered by head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and bowling mentor Courtney Walsh. Across the aisle, Afghanistan relies on head coach Jonathan Trott and spin guru Mushtaq Ahmed to fine‑tune their attack.

The match was overseen by veteran referee Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka, with umpires Nitin Menon (India) and Richard Illingworth (England).

Why this win matters

Both teams entered the clash with two points from three games, making the result a direct qualifier for the Super Four. Bangladesh’s victory not only restores confidence after a morale‑denting loss to Sri Lanka but also puts pressure on Afghanistan, who now need a decisive win against the eventual group leader to stay alive.

The Asia Cup itself is a crucial rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Teams are using the tournament to lock in final combinations, test new bowling variations, and gauge batting depth under pressure.

Key facts

• Result: Bangladesh 154/5 (20 overs) defeated Afghanistan 146 (19.5 overs) by 8 runs.
• Date & venue: 16 September 2025, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
• Man of the match: Tanzid Hasan (52 off 31).
• Top bowler: Nasum Ahmed – 4/10.
• Next game: India vs Pakistan on 18 September 2025, same venue.

Looking ahead

The Super Four stage kicks off on 20 September 2025, featuring the top two from each group. Bangladesh will need at least one more win to guarantee progression, while Afghanistan faces a must‑win against the eventual group winner.

Beyond the scoreboard, the match showcased the rising intensity of T20 cricket in the sub‑continent. The shift from the traditional 50‑over format to a fast‑paced T20 tournament, a first for the Asia Cup, reflects broader changes in how teams prepare for global events.