Sharjah, 4 October (HS) : Bangladesh clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second Twenty20 International on Friday night, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing 148, Bangladesh reached the target with five balls to spare, finishing on 150 for eight after a tense chase. This marks Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive T20I defeat—three of which have come against Bangladesh.

Afghanistan, batting first, posted 147 for five, with Ibrahim Zadran top-scoring with 38 (37 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributing 30. Nabi’s late cameo propelled the Afghans, but their total ultimately proved insufficient.

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept things tight: Nasum Ahmed claimed two for 25, while Shoriful Islam (one for 13) and Mohammad Saifuddin (none for 22) stifled the scoring.

Bangladesh’s chase began poorly as both openers fell for single-digit scores, and by the end of the fifth over, they were struggling at 24 for three. The middle-order pair of Shamim Hossain (33) and Zakir Hasan (32) rebuilt the innings with a 56-run partnership, shifting momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour.

Zakir struck a six and a four off Rashid Khan before falling to the next delivery, while Shamim was dismissed soon after. With the match in the balance, Nurul Hasan launched two crucial sixes off Mohammad Nabi, swinging the match decisively.

However, Omarzai then claimed two wickets in the same over to set up a nervy finish.Needing 19 from the final 12 balls, Nurul and the tail kept their composure. Naveen-ul-Haq’s 19th over went for 17, and Shoriful Islam fittingly sealed the win with a boundary off the fifth ball of the final over.

Match Summary

Result: Bangladesh win by two wickets; lead series 2-0.

With this win, Bangladesh’s young brigade has signalled their intent, while Afghanistan will look to regroup in the final T20I.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar