Bangladesh clinched a nail‑biting 8‑run victory over Afghanistan in the ninth Group B clash of the DP World Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The match unfolded at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where Litton Das, captain of Bangladesh national cricket team won the toss and chose to bat first. A disciplined 154/5 set the stage, but it was the late‑order fireworks and razor‑sharp death bowling that ultimately sealed the win.
Match Overview and Scorecard
Bangladesh posted 154 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a blistering 52 off 31 balls, while his partner Saif Hassan contributed a quick‑fire 30 before Rashid Khan claimed his wicket. Afghanistan, chasing 155, were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, falling short by eight runs. The key figures on the scoreboard were:
- Bangladesh: 154/5 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan: 146 all out (19.3 overs)
- Top scorer – Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan 52 (31 balls)
- Top wicket‑taker – Bangladesh: Mustafizur Rahman 3/24
- Man of the Match – Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh’s Batting Spell
The innings got off to a solid start when Tanzid Hasan struck four fours and two sixes in a single over from Afghanistan’s spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi. That assault propelled the opening stand to 63 runs, a platform that allowed Bangladesh to cruise to the 100‑run mark with just one wicket down. After Saif Hassan’s dismissal at 71/2, the middle order – Liton Kumar and Mahmudullah – played a cameo role, rotating the strike and adding vital boundaries. The Tigers finished at 154/5, a total that seemed modest in a flat Abu Dhabi pitch but proved just enough thanks to the tight bowling that followed.
Afghanistan’s Chase and Turning Points
Afghanistan’s reply began disastrously when Nasum Ahmed ripped out opener Sediqullah Atal for a golden duck in the very first ball – a wicket maiden that set the tone. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to steady the ship with a quick 35 off 31, but the required run‑rate kept climbing.
The pivotal moment, as highlighted by ESPN analysts Abhinav Mukund and Wasim Jaffer, arrived at 77/5 when Afghanistan’s middle‑order firebrand Omar Zai was caught off a massive six and dismissed by a diving catch at mid‑wicket. Jaffer called it “the turning point”, noting that the loss of Zai crippled any late‑over acceleration plans.
Bowling Heroes and Tactical Moves
Bangladesh’s bowlers turned the match into a chess game. Mustafizur Rahman led the charge with three wickets, including the crucial Omar Zai dismissal. His death‑overs spell was clinical – conceding just nine runs in the final over, a pressure‑cooker that left Afghanistan scrambling.
Fast‑bowling all‑rounder Taskin Ahmed, freshly recalled by Litton Das, added a vital wicket and kept the run‑rate in check during the middle overs. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s spin duo – Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan – managed two wickets each for the Tigers, but could not stem the flow of runs in the death phase.
Implications for Group B and the Super Four Race
The win lifts Bangladesh to a crucial second place in Group B, keeping their Super Four hopes alive with two games left. Their earlier stumble against Sri Lanka made this triumph all the more urgent. Afghanistan, on the other hand, suffered their first loss of the tournament, dropping to the bottom of the table and now requiring victories in their remaining fixtures to stay afloat.
Both sides will have to reassess strategies as the ACC‑run Asia Cup heads into its final group matches. For Bangladesh, maintaining a balanced top order and a lethal death‑bowling unit will be key. Afghanistan must find a way to accelerate without losing wickets – a lesson painfully impressed by the early wicket of Atal and the mid‑innings collapse after Zai’s exit.
Key Takeaways
- Opening strike from Nasum Ahmed set the tone with a wicket maiden.
- Tanzid Hasan’s 52 anchored Bangladesh’s chase‑setting total.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s death‑overs spell earned him man‑of‑the‑match.
- Afghanistan’s middle‑order collapse after Omar Zai’s dismissal proved decisive.
- The result reshapes the Group B leaderboard ahead of the Super Four stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the Super Four?
The victory lifts Bangladesh to second place in Group B with two matches remaining, meaning a win in either of their next games will likely secure a Super Four berth. A loss would put immense pressure on them to win both remaining fixtures.
What were the key moments that turned the match in Bangladesh’s favour?
Nasum Ahmed’s first‑ball wicket of Sediqullah Atal, Tanzid Hasan’s 52‑run burst, and Mustafizur Rahman’s three‑wicket spell – especially the dismissal of Omar Zai – were the decisive swings that pushed Bangladesh ahead.
Which Afghan players performed well despite the loss?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 35 off 31 balls showed resilience, and spin duo Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan each took two wickets, keeping Bangladesh’s scoring in check during the middle overs.
What does this result mean for Afghanistan’s tournament outlook?
Afghanistan now sit at the bottom of Group B and must win their remaining two games to stay in contention. Their net‑run‑rate will also be a crucial factor if they finish level on points with another side.
When does the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup begin?
The Super Four stage is scheduled to kick off on September 18, 2025, just two days after Bangladesh’s win over Afghanistan.
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