Thrilling win keeps Bangladesh’s Super Four hopes alive

At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh kept their Asia Cup Super Four dream alive with a nail-biting 8-run victory against Afghanistan. Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s sparkling batting display, disciplined bowling from Nasum, Rishad, and Mustafizur, and courageous fielding at the death sealed the Tigers’ thrilling win to stay alive in the tournament.

At this venue, Bangladesh had won one and lost one in their previous two matches. Heading into the do-or-die battle against Afghanistan, nothing less than a win would do for the Tigers to secure a Super Four berth. Bangladesh captain Litton Das, against his usual instinct of bowling first, chose to bat after winning the toss in this high-stakes clash. On the back of Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s fifty, the Tigers posted 154 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Later, a spirited bowling performance led by Nasum, Rishad, and Mustafizur restricted Afghanistan to 146, sealing an 8-run victory to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive.

Batting first after a rare toss decision, Bangladesh built a fighting total of 154 runs, thanks to Tanzid’s blistering half-century. In reply, Afghanistan faltered against the spin duo of Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain, and the cutters of Mustafizur Rahman. Nasum took two wickets, including one with the very first ball of the innings—dismissing Sadiqullah Atal lbw with a clever delivery. He struck again to remove Ibrahim Zadran (5), before Rishad trapped Gulbadin Naib (16) and later dismissed dangerman Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 35, who had looked settled.

With regular wickets falling, Afghanistan never built lasting partnerships. Mohammad Nabi (15) was undone by Mustafiz, while Azmatullah Omarzai threatened with a quickfire 30 off 16 balls (3 sixes, 1 four), but Taskin Ahmed had him caught at backward point. Rashid Khan kept Afghan hopes alive with 20 off 11, but his dismissal to Mustafiz in the 19th over extinguished the chase. Despite a couple of late sixes, Afghanistan folded for 146 in 20 overs, falling 8 runs short.

Bangladesh’s bowlers held their nerves under pressure: Nasum returned 2 for 11 in 4 overs with a maiden, Rishad claimed 2 for 18, while Mustafiz (3 for 28) and Taskin (2 for 33) struck in crucial moments.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was built on an explosive opening stand. Returning to the XI, Saif Hasan provided steady support, while Tanzid attacked from the other end. Tanzid’s aggressive strokeplay—32 runs off just 12 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes—gave Bangladesh a flying start, as the openers added 63 runs. Saif contributed 30 off 28 before being bowled by Rashid Khan.

Captain Litton Das (9) failed to make an impact, falling lbw to Noor Ahmad. Tanzid carried on, reaching his fifty in just 16 balls, but soon perished trying to go big against Noor. His blazing knock of 32 off 12, followed by a fifty off 16 balls, provided Bangladesh with crucial momentum. In the middle overs, Towhid Hridoy (26 off 20), Shamim Hossain, and Zakir Ali failed to capitalize, and wickets fell regularly.

A small late partnership between Zakir (12* off 13) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (12* off 6) helped Bangladesh finish on 154/5. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad picked up 2 wickets each, while Omarzai chipped in with 1.

With this thrilling win, Bangladesh not only secured their second victory of the campaign but also kept their Super Four hopes alive in the Asia Cup.