Bangladesh kicked off their white-ball series against Afghanistan on a winning note as they registered a four-wicket triumph in the opening T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing 152, the visitors completed the game in the 19th over, winning the contest by 4 wickets.
Afghanistan post competitive total
Afghanistan, after opting to bat first, managed 151/9 in their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz anchored the innings with a quick 40 off 31 balls, striking two fours and three sixes. Skipper Mohammad Nabi added crucial runs in the middle order, smashing 38 from just 25 deliveries with four maximums. Despite their contributions, regular strikes from Bangladesh bowlers prevented Afghanistan from building long partnerships.
Among the bowlers, Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with two wickets apiece, while Mustafizur Rahman kept things tight with figures of 1/24 in his four overs. Nasum Ahmed also bowled economically, conceding just 18 runs while picking up one wicket.
Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan lead Bangladesh to win
In reply, Bangladesh made a steady start, with openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon taking control of the chase. Both registered brisk half-centuries—Tanzid scored 51 off 37 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Emon top-scored with 54 from 37 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Their 95-run stand for the first wicket laid the perfect foundation for the chase.
However, Afghanistan struck back through Rashid Khan, who was sensational with the ball. The leg-spinner returned figures of 4/18 in his four overs, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order and creating a tense finish.
Despite Rashid’s brilliance, Bangladesh held their nerve. Nurul Hasan played a decisive knock, scoring 23 off just 13 balls, which included two sixes, ensuring the visitors crossed the line with eight balls to spare. Rishad Hossain chipped in with a handy 14 off 9 deliveries to ease the pressure in the closing stages. Emon’s composed 54 proved to be the difference in the contest, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Bangladesh got the better of Afghanistan in the first T20I 🔥#cricket #AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/cRXo680VJy
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 3, 2025
