The Asia Cup Group B match in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) featured a strong bowling display from Afghanistan, spearheaded by captain Rashid Khan (2/26) and fellow spinner Noor Ahmad (2/23), who effectively limited Bangladesh to 154/5.
Bangladesh’s innings was significantly boosted by opener Tanzid Hasan, who scored a rapid 52 off just 31 balls. He forged a crucial 63-run opening partnership with Saif Hassan (30), guiding the Tigers to 87 for one by the halfway mark.
However, the formidable Afghan spin duo, well-supported by Azmatullah Omarzai (1/19 in 3 overs), deftly tightened their grip. Their precise bowling and clever variations swiftly shifted the pressure back onto the Bangladeshi batters.
Earlier, after a somewhat slow start, Bangladesh accelerated their scoring. Tanzid Hasan was particularly aggressive, striking four boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the third over, despite surviving a close leg-before appeal.
Two of Tanzid’s boundaries came from fortunate edges that found gaps, while the other two were powerfully driven shots past mid-on.
In the subsequent over from AM Ghazanfar, Hassan displayed his attacking intent with a towering six down the ground. Yet, it was Tanzid who truly shone in the sixth over, hitting two spectacular sixes off the Afghan spinner – one soaring over long-on and another elegantly picked up from his pads over deep square leg.
The burgeoning partnership was eventually broken by Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan. His delivery kept surprisingly low, beating Saif Hassan’s sweep shot and crashing into the off-stump.
Despite being in a seemingly comfortable position after 10 overs, Bangladesh struggled to maintain their momentum. The relentless pressure from Afghanistan’s spinners, who bowled tight lines and offered minimal room, made it incredibly challenging for the batters to find their rhythm.
Tanzid, after playing some attractive shots for his half-century, soon fell, followed by Litton Das. Noor Ahmad claimed both wickets; Tanzid was caught at long-off after a mis-hit, and Bangladesh captain Das was adjudged leg-before trying a paddle sweep.
Rashid Khan further intensified the pressure by trapping Shamim Hossain leg-before for just 11, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 121 for four in the 16th over.
In a crucial match that held implications for their progression to the Super Four stage, Bangladesh couldn’t find the explosive late surge they needed. Nevertheless, they managed to surpass the 150-run mark in the final over, setting a competitive target that ultimately secured their hard-fought 8-run victory.