Bangladesh Hold Nerve to Win Thrilling First T20I Against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh survived a late batting collapse to edge Afghanistan by four wickets in a pulsating opening T20I, chasing down 152 with eight balls to spare and taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan set the tone with a 109-run partnership, both striking fluent half-centuries to give Bangladesh a strong platform.
Afghanistan fought back through captain Rashid Khan, whose devastating spell claimed four wickets in two overs, reducing Bangladesh to 109 for six in just 25 balls. Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain then steadied the innings, guiding Bangladesh to victory in a tense finish. Nurul’s audacious six off Azmatullah Omarzai and Rishad’s top-edged boundary sealed the win with four wickets remaining.
Electing to bat first, Afghanistan had a brisk start courtesy of Ibrahim Zadran, who struck three early boundaries before Bangladesh pegged the side back to 40 for four by the end of the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz anchored the innings with 40 off 31 balls, supported by Azmatullah Omarzai (18) and a late cameo from Mohammad Nabi, who struck three sixes in a 25-ball 38. Sharafuddin Ashraf’s unbeaten 17 helped Afghanistan post 151 for nine in 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib taking two wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman picked up one each. Tight bowling during the powerplay and middle overs restricted Afghanistan’s momentum, keeping the chase competitive until the final over.
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