In a captivating and significant face-off during the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh prevailed with a narrow 8-run triumph over Afghanistan in a vital Group B contest. The victory in Abu Dhabi bolsters Bangladesh’s aspirations for Super Four stage qualification. The game unfolded in two distinct phases: Bangladesh commanded the early part of their innings, but Afghanistan’s skillful spin bowlers steered them back into contention, only to see Bangladesh’s bowlers rise to the occasion under intense duress.
Bangladesh’s batting: A promising beginning leading to a spin-orchestrated slowdown
Bangladesh, having won the coin toss and opting to bat first, commenced their innings energetically, propelled by a dynamic opening partnership. The duo of Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan constructed a firm base, combining for a 63-run stand. Tanzid, in particular, exhibited explosive hitting, amassing a swift 52 from just 31 deliveries, punctuated by four fours and three towering sixes. Their initial surge propelled Bangladesh to a formidable 87 for one at the innings’ midpoint.
However, Afghanistan’s spin wizards, captain Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, orchestrated a shift in momentum. They bowled with remarkable precision and variety, exerting constant pressure and curtailing the scoring rate. Rashid disrupted the opening stand by bowling Hassan cleanly, and later removed Shamim Hossain, culminating in figures of 2/26. Noor also claimed two pivotal wickets, including Tanzid’s, thereby impeding Bangladesh’s middle order. Despite these setbacks, contributions from the tailenders enabled Bangladesh to post a competitive total of 154/5, establishing a challenging objective for Afghanistan.
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Bangladesh’s bowlers maintain composure to clinch the gripping Asia Cup 2025 victory against Afghanistan
Tasked with chasing 155 for the win, Afghanistan’s innings struggled to gain traction, as Bangladesh’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. The Afghan top order crumbled under sustained pressure from the disciplined bowling attack. Consistent wicket losses thwarted the establishment of any substantial partnerships. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35), Azmatullah Omarzai (30) and Rashid (20) each delivered fleeting, impactful cameos, the escalating required run rate proved insurmountable, compounded by a dearth of support from the other batsmen.
The Bangladesh bowlers, notably Mustafizur Rahman (3/28) and Taskin Ahmed (2/34), produced decisive spells in the concluding overs. Mustafizur’s twin strikes in the penultimate over, including the prized wicket of the dangerous Rashid, emerged as pivotal moments that swung the contest decisively in Bangladesh’s favour. Despite a spirited late-innings flourish, Afghanistan ultimately fell short by eight runs, concluding their innings with an all-out score of 146. This triumph marked a significant milestone for Bangladesh, representing their inaugural victory against Afghanistan on foreign soil, and preserving their aspirations for Super Four qualification.
Here’s what people online are saying:
Top win from Bangladesh. Mustafizur Rahman showed his class with his variation. Afghanistan’s ploy to play a batsman less clearly effected the run chase. Too many bowlers n some of them aren’t use only.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 16, 2025
Great game today, finally!!!!! Bangladesh has beaten Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. There were a lot of experts who weren’t expecting this result.
Game on in Group B. All on SL vs Afg now. ✊🏻
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) September 16, 2025
Brilliantly done by Bangladesh to defend the 154/5 vs Afghanistan . The group is open again.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) September 16, 2025
🚨 BANGLADESH BEAT T20I WORLD CUP 2024 SEMI-FINALIST AFGHANISTAN 🚨
– What a massive result, one of the finest Performances by Bangladesh in recent times. pic.twitter.com/c8iIiqawNG
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 16, 2025
Bangladesh 🇧🇩 defeat Afghanistan 🇦🇫 by 8 runs and still alive their hopes in Asia Cup 2025 💜#AsiaCup2025 #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/AXIMkqtl5N
— Shariare Ifti (@IftiShariare) September 16, 2025
Bangladesh get over the line! ✌️
It went down to the wire but 🇧🇩 channeled their Tiger spirit to fight until the end, picking up a win and staying alive in the tournament.#BANvAFG #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/eNNBUO9B0i
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 16, 2025
Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 8 runs.
– What a match we had, first game of Asia Cup 2025 with full thrill and entertainment. Afghan fans & players couldn’t believe it, they almost cried. Nasum Ahmed and Tazid Hasan Tamim are heros of Bengal.#BANvsAFG #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/gkYmAJgVEC
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) September 16, 2025
Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 8 runs in a do-or-die game. They are still alive in the race for the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2025.#BANvsAFG #AsiaCup2025
— Prashanth Indrakumar (@PrashanthIndra1) September 16, 2025
Asia Cup : Points Table : Group B ( After Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Match ) #sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #asiacup2025 #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/f1czMy2ibS
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) September 16, 2025
Bangladesh edge past Afghanistan by 8 runs in a thrilling clash at the Asia Cup 2025 🔥#BANvsAFG #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/eEJbx8LCh5
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 16, 2025