Bangladesh kept their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive with a nerve-wracking 8-run win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. It was a contest full of momentum shifts, with spinners dominating in the middle overs and pacers holding their nerve under pressure. In the end, Nasum Ahmed’s dream start and Mustafizur Rahman’s ice-cool death bowling proved the difference.
Tigers Stay Alive in Group B
For Bangladesh, this victory was more than just two points—it was about survival. After suffering a damaging defeat to Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, the Tigers desperately needed to bounce back. Their narrow win over Afghanistan now gives them renewed hope of advancing to the Super Four stage.
Skipper Litton Das won the toss in this do-or-die fixture and made the bold call to bat first. His decision initially paid off as the openers laid a strong platform before Afghanistan’s spinners clawed their way back into the game.
Bangladesh Batting: Bright Start, Mid-Innings Stumble
The innings began in style thanks to Tanzid Hasan’s explosive 52 off 31 balls. He combined with Saif Hassan (30) to stitch together a crucial 63-run stand, helping Bangladesh reach 87/1 at the halfway mark.
- Tanzid counter-attacked Afghanistan’s pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi, smashing four consecutive boundaries in a single over to release early pressure.
- However, once the Afghan spin unit took charge, momentum shifted.
Young left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad struck with his very first delivery, removing Litton Das and immediately halting Bangladesh’s charge. Soon after, Rashid Khan joined the party, dismissing Saif Hassan and breaking the promising partnership.
From a position of dominance, Bangladesh suddenly found themselves battling to maintain tempo. Rashid and Noor bowled in tandem with supreme control, finishing with two wickets each, while Mohammad Nabi added to the pressure with miserly spells.
Despite the slowdown, Bangladesh posted a competitive 154/5 in 20 overs a total that seemed just above par given the conditions and Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.
Afghanistan’s Chase: Nasum Strikes, Mustafizur Finishes
If Bangladesh’s batting innings had drama, their bowling performance was even more gripping.
Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed gave the Tigers a dream start by producing a wicket-maiden in the very first over. He removed Sediqullah Atal for a golden duck, tilting momentum immediately in Bangladesh’s favor.
Afghanistan, however, countered through their wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35 off 31) and Ibrahim Zadran, who looked determined to anchor the innings. Gurbaz’s aggressive stroke play gave the Afghan fans hope, but his dismissal once again triggered nerves in the camp.
The middle order failed to capitalize, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Even though the equation never spiraled out of control, Bangladesh’s bowlers kept chipping away.
The final overs brought the ultimate test: Afghanistan needed quick runs, and Bangladesh needed calm execution. Enter Mustafizur Rahman. Known for his clever variations at the death, the left-arm pacer once again rose to the occasion. His pinpoint yorkers and slower deliveries sealed the contest, with Afghanistan bowled out for 146, just eight runs short.
Group B Scenario: Super Four Race Heats Up
This result has thrown Group B wide open. Here’s how the table stands:
- Sri Lanka: 2 wins out of 2, 4 points, Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.546.
- Afghanistan: 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR of +4.700.
- Bangladesh: 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR modest but alive in the race.
While Sri Lanka look comfortably set for progression, the second spot remains a battle between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. With both sides tied on points, upcoming fixtures will decide who advances to the Super Four.
Afghanistan’s Spin Web Still a Threat
Even in defeat, Afghanistan’s spin strength was clear for all to see. The quartet of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and young AM Ghazanfar showed why this team is a formidable force in sub-continental conditions.
Coach Jonathan Trott highlighted the importance of spinners, not just for the Asia Cup but also with the T20 World Cup in February 2026 on the horizon.
“Right now, we have a great opportunity with the Asia Cup. Looking a bit further ahead, with the World Cup coming up in February, we have good memories of playing in the sub-continent – in Sri Lanka and India,” Trott said.
Key Takeaways from the Thriller
- Bangladesh’s reliance on Tanzid Hasan: His fearless half-century was the backbone of the innings. Without it, Bangladesh could have folded cheaply.
- Afghanistan’s over-dependence on Gurbaz: While Gurbaz looked fluent, the lack of substantial contributions from others cost them dearly.
- Spinners dictating play: Rashid and Noor’s combined spell showcased how spinners can control the game even on flat pitches.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s finishing touch: His calmness at the death was a reminder of why he remains one of the best T20 closers in world cricket.
Final Word
Bangladesh’s narrow escape against Afghanistan wasn’t just a win—it was a statement of resilience. From Tanzid’s aggressive batting to Mustafizur’s nerveless finish, the Tigers proved they can handle high-pressure situations.
For Afghanistan, the loss will sting. They had the game within reach but failed to seize key moments. Still, with a strong net run rate and an enviable spin arsenal, they remain firmly in contention for a Super Four spot.
The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and if this clash was anything to go by, fans can expect many more heart-stopping finishes in the days ahead.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka survives scare to beat Hong Kong
