Bangladesh claimed a thrilling two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, securing the three-match series with one match remaining. Nurul Hasan Sohan and Shoriful Islam were the heroes in a tense finish, guiding the Tigers home with five balls to spare.
After losing the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat and made a cautious start. Openers Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran put on 35 runs during the powerplay. The pair built a 55-run opening stand before Rishad Hossain removed Atal for 23 off 19 deliveries, caught by Parvez Hossain Emon.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz then joined Ibrahim at the crease and kept the scoreboard ticking. Ibrahim played a measured knock of 38 off 37 balls before falling with the team total on 71. Gurbaz made 30 from 22 deliveries.
In the latter stages, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai added some quick runs. Omarzai remained unbeaten on 19 off 17 balls, while Nabi finished not out on 20 from 12. Afghanistan ended their innings on 147 for 5 from 20 overs.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed took two wickets each, and Shoriful Islam was economical, taking one wicket for just 13 runs. Mustafizur endured a bad day at the office conceding 40 runs in 4 overs.
In reply, Bangladesh had a shaky start. Both openers, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon, were dismissed early for just 2 runs each, leaving the team at 16 for 2. Saif Hassan showed some promise at number three but was dismissed for 18 off 14 balls.
At the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh were 37 for 3. A solid partnership followed between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali Anik, with both playing important roles in rebuilding the innings. Jaker struck two sixes and two fours in his 32 off 25 before falling.
Shamim continued with an aggressive approach and scored 33 from 22 balls before being dismissed with the score on 102. Nurul Hasan Sohan then took charge of the innings, while Nasum Ahmed chipped in with 10 from 11 balls, including a six.
After Mohammad Saifuddin and Rishad Hossain were dismissed in quick succession, the match tilted in Afghanistan’s favour. But Sohan held firm, and with support from Shoriful Islam, guided Bangladesh to victory. Sohan finished unbeaten on 31 off 21 deliveries, while Shoriful struck 11 off 6.
Afghanistan’s bowlers put up a strong fight. Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 4 wickets, Rashid Khan picked up 2, and Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one apiece.
