Sharjah, October 3(HS): Bangladesh clinched a dramatic four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the opening T20 International late on Thursday, overcoming a fiery spell from Rashid Khan to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a target of 152, Bangladesh appeared to be cruising after openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon struck fluent half-centuries. The pair added 95 runs without loss in the first 10 overs, setting a firm platform for what looked like a comfortable victory.

However, Afghanistan fought back strongly. Fareed Ahmad finally broke the opening stand, and Rashid Khan turned the match on its head with a sensational spell. The leg-spinner struck twice in the same over, dismissing Tanzid and Saif Hassan, before returning to remove two more batters in his final over.

Bangladesh suddenly collapsed from 109 for no loss to 118 for six, leaving the chase hanging in balance.The momentum eventually shifted back to Bangladesh through the calm batting of Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain.

Together, they steadied nerves and found crucial boundaries. In the 19th over, Nurul sealed the contest in style with back-to-back sixes, taking Bangladesh past the target with eight balls to spare.Earlier, Afghanistan posted 151 for nine in their 20 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 40, while veteran Mohammad Nabi made a brisk 38 to push the total beyond 150. Late cameos from Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf ensured a competitive score on the board. Rishad Hossain was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, finishing with two wickets for 33 runs.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 151/9 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 40, Mohammad Nabi 38; Rishad Hossain 2/33)

Bangladesh: 153/6 in 18.4 overs (Parvez Hossain Emon 54, Tanzid Hasan Tamim 51; Rashid Khan 4/18)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar