Sharjah: Bangladesh recovered from a top order collapse to secure a hard-fought two-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the second T20 International, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the third match, slated to take place on Sunday, is now merely a formality. Bangladesh had earlier won the first match by four wickets. Bangladesh’s bowlers put up another disciplined performance, restricting Afghanistan to a modest 147-5, a target they successfully chased down in 19.1 overs, scoring 150-8.
Bangladesh’s top-order faltered early in the chase, with the team reduced to 24-3. Key batsmen, including half-centurion from the first game, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, fell cheaply. Saif Hasan showed brief promise with an 18 off 14 balls before his dismissal.
Under-pressure middle-order batters, captain Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Patwari, provided stability with a crucial 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This stand was vital, given the small target, but both failed to capitalize on their starts. Rashid Khan dismissed Jaker Ali for 32, and Noor Ahmad removed Patwari for 31, triggering a collapse reminiscent of the first match.
Despite the situation, Nurul Hasan Sohan played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 31 off 21 balls. His innings included one four and three sixes, guiding Bangladesh to victory with support from Shoriful Islam, who remained not out on 11 from six balls.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, finishing with figures of 4-23, while Rashid Khan took 2-29. Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Nasum Ahmed with 2-25, and Rishad Hossain, who took 2-45, effectively restricted Afghanistan’s batting. Shoriful Islam, one of Bangladesh’s two changes for this match, contributed with 1-13 in his four overs.
Afghanistan’s batters, despite getting starts, were unable to capitalize fully due to tight bowling. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 38 off 37 balls, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 30. Mohammad Nabi’s quickfire 20 not out from 12 balls pushed Afghanistan towards the 150-run mark.