Bangladesh held their nerve to claim a four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the opening T20I at Sharjah on Thursday night, chasing down 152 with eight balls to spare in a contest that swung dramatically.
Afghanistan, asked to bat first, reached 151 for 9 in their 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave them early impetus with 40 off 31 balls, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi blasted 38 from 25 deliveries, striking four sixes to keep the scoreboard moving. Bangladesh’s bowlers, however, ensured the total stayed within reach. Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up two wickets each, while Nasum Ahmed bowled a miserly spell of 4–0–18–0.
The chase began in commanding fashion as Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon combined for a blistering 109-run opening partnership. Tanzid struck 51 off 37 balls and Parvez matched him with 54 off 37, putting Bangladesh firmly in control.
But the game flipped when Rashid Khan produced a spell of brilliance. The Afghan leg-spinner tore through the middle order with 4 for 18, reducing Bangladesh from 109 without loss to 118 for 6 in a matter of overs.
Just when the pressure seemed to tilt the match Afghanistan’s way, Nurul Hasan provided a calm finish. His unbeaten 23 off 13 balls, ably supported by Rishad Hossain’s 14 off 9, guided Bangladesh to victory in 18.4 overs.
The win gives Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the series, with the second T20I scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue.
