HIGHLIGHTS Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025, 9 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Afghanistan's response with the bat. Litton Das leads his troops out to the middle as the Bangladeshi players spread out to their fielding positions. The man in form, Sediqullah Atal, will be partnered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is searching for some runs. And interestingly, spin to start with. Nasum Ahmed will open the attack for Bangladesh.  Sediqullah to face. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Bangladesh might feel they left out 15-20 runs, given the way they started off in the Powerplay. And the pressure is rightly on them to defend this total. They have won only 1 out of 4 T20Is at Abu Dhabi and have lost all three of their matches, while defending. But as we all know, these stats don't matter in the present. It is all about putting in a united bowling effort to restrict this buoyant Afghan side, who have a very strong track record of 12 wins out of 17 T20Is at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Remember, a victory here will seal Afghanistan’s place in the Super 4s, sending them through alongside Sri Lanka and ending Bangladesh’s campaign. For Bangladesh, even a win won’t be enough on its own because of their inferior net run rate. Their only hope then would be for Sri Lanka to defeat Afghanistan in the final match of Group B, keeping the door to qualification ever so slightly open. It is all shaping up to be a cracker of a run chase with so many stakes on the line.

Spin is the king, once again, and this has been proved by a team with a luxury of spin bowling options. They utilised four spinners, and all four dished out deceptive variations that just choked the scoring in that middle phase. The batters couldn't form steady partnerships post Tanzid's wicket and slipped from 87/1 to 121/4. In a combined effort of 13 overs, the spinners gave 98 runs, and shared 4 wickets among them, two each for Noor and skipper Rashid. AM Ghazanfar was a bit on the expensive side. And those efforts were magnificently backed up by the two seamers closing out in the end.

But once Saif was dismissed in Rashid's first over, with that 63-run partnership broken, there was a bit of calm brought in by the tweakers in the middle overs. Bangladesh weren't able to fully capitalise on the kind of launchpad the two Hasans provided early doors as the spin continued to stranglehold. Boundaries dried up and runs did not come at a fair clip, but Tanzid kept sending one or two to the fence on some occasions and got off to his fifty as well. However, with Noor Ahmad coming up trumps and picking up two big wickets, the scoring took a significant dip. And in that 7-15 over phase, Bangladesh could score only 60 runs, losing three big wickets.

With the ball swinging and bouncing, the Bangladeshi openers initially looked like cats on the hot tin roof, failing to get the timing right with a lot of false strokes induced. But once settled, Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan found boundaries, albeit surviving a few close calls. Afghanistan didn't bowl poorly at all, but couldn't convert the chances. Hence, the Powerplay went Bangladesh's way. The first three overs went for just 24 runs, but the next three went for 35, with 59/0 on the board, at the end of the field restrictions.

A pleasing finish for Afghanistan with the ball. 5 precious dots, and just 15 runs conceded in the last 2 overs. One key area for improvement for the Afghans was the slog overs bowling-wise, and they have improved in that phase massively in this important clash. Overall, it has been a proper tussle between bat and ball, but with wickets in hand, and still failing to score 10 runs or more in an over, Bangladesh will feel they left out a few runs here.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jaker Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls a full toss, but gets away with it! This is on middle and Jaker Ali mistimes the slog towards deep mid-wicket for just a couple. Bangladesh finish on 154/5!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jaker Ali, Fine bowling! Fazalhaq Farooqi sees the batter back away and bangs in a slower bouncer, on leg, Jaker Ali looks to pull it away but misses. 5 dots in the last 8 balls, not ideal for Bangladesh!

A slight halt! Nurul Hasan is down on the ground, looking in discomfort. The physio has rushed out to tend to him. He removes his right shoe and is now getting a bit of a massage there. Probably some issue with his right ankle. The ankle area is now getting strapped up and Nurul eventually gets back on his feet, ready to continue.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nurul Hasan, Back of a length and outside off, Nurul Hasan slaps it to long off for just a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nurul Hasan, FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Slower one, back of a length and on middle, Nurul Hasan moves across early to get inside the line of it and scoops it over the keeper and to the fine leg fence for a boundary. 150 up for Bangladesh!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nurul Hasan, Pitched up and on middle again, Nurul Hasan thumps it to the right of the bowler, Fazalhaq Farooqi gets a hand on it but only to parry it away as the batters get two runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nurul Hasan, Fuller and on middle, Nurul Hasan drills it down the pitch, where Fazalhaq Farooqi gets a foot on it on the follow-through to take the sting out of it. Hasan wants the run but is sent back. Farooqi collects and hits the stumps at the batter's end, but Nurul is safe.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-0-28-0) to bowl the final over of the first inning.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Jaker Ali, Three precious dots to end the over! Excellent from Azmatullah Omarzai! He nails the wide yorker, outside off, Jaker Ali fails to dig it out. Just 6 runs and a wicket from the penultimate over.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Jaker Ali, Another one! Not good batting at all! This is a slower one, full and just outside off, Jaker Ali goes down to slog it over mid-wicket but only connects with thin air.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Jaker Ali, Swing and a miss! Azmatullah Omarzai lands this on a hard length and around off, Jaker Ali crouches low and has a wild heave across the line, takes his eyes off the ball as well and misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, Pitched up and around off, Nurul Hasan moves across again to slog it across the line but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards covers. They cross.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, WIDE! Loses his grip completely and serves this on a length, way, way outside off, Nurul Hasan moves across a long way to the off side, and throws his bat at it but misses. The third umpire is called in to check whether this pitched outside the pitch or not. After seeing the replays, it is deemed that it is just a wide and not a No Ball.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, FOUR! Up and over! Low full toss around off, Nurul Hasan reaches out and just gets enough power to lift it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Nurul Hasan is in at 7.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Tawhid Hridoy, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Azmatullah Omarzai with a timely wicket for Afghanistan! He goes fuller and wide outside off, Tawhid Hridoy does the right thing by staying deep inside his crease and carving it away nicely. However, unfortunately for him, he hits it flat and aerially straight towards sweeper covers. He doesn't get the required distance, and Karim Janat takes a couple of steps forward, crouches low, and takes a good catch. Hridoy departs for 26 off 20, and Bangladesh are 139/5 now!

Azmatullah Omarzai (2-0-13-0) to bowl the penultimate.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jaker Ali, Another slower one, hard length and on off, Jaker Ali keeps it out to the off side and wants the run but is sent back.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jaker Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi continues to bang it short, on middle and off, slower too, Jaker Ali rides the bounce well and swats it through mid-wicket and turns around for the second. Ali has to put in a dive at the other end, but makes his ground as the throw is not a good one. This is clever batting. They are not just trying to hit the boundaries, but running well between the wickets.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jaker Ali, No pace given at all, short and on off, Jaker Ali heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for the third double of the over.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tawhid Hridoy, Pace off again, on a length and around off, Tawhid Hridoy steers it to short third for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tawhid Hridoy, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off. Tawhid Hridoy goes through his pull early and gets a top edge towards deep square leg. He quickly calls for the second and gets it easily in the end. Good running!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tawhid Hridoy, Back of a length and around off, Tawhid Hridoy punches it away wide of deep point, where Noor Ahmad runs to his left but fails to collect it on the first attempt and allows the second run.

AM Ghazanfar to bowl? Nope. Here's Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-0-19-0) into the attack. Most probably, it will be Azmatullah Omarzai and Farooqi to wrap up.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, Quicker, full and on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy goes down across to swipe it but ends up gloving it onto his pads as the ball rolls towards short fine. They cross. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. Noor looks interested, but Rashid signals that there is some bat involved and does not go for the review. End of a superb spell for Noor Ahmad with figures of 4-0-23-2.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, Flatter, short and outside off, angles away, Tawhid Hridoy moves across but still fails to reach out for it. Clever bowling from Noor!

Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, Short and on off, Jaker Ali punches it through covers for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, Goes for it again, and almost throws his wicket away! A googly, full and around off again, turns away, Jaker Ali goes down for the sweep again but gets a top edge that falls well in front of short third.

Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, FOUR! Gets it away! Floated, full and around off, Jaker Ali goes down across to target the leg side and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Bangladesh have managed to score only 20 runs in the last 19 balls. But with 6 wickets still in hand, 160 plus is still on the cards. And more importantly, with Rashid and Noor both done for the evening after this over, they will have the chance to pick the bowlers and go on the offensive. It is all about playing the cards right. AM Ghazanfar still has an over to bowl, though, and it is highly unlikely he will get an over as he has been a bit on the expensive side with an economy of over 10.

Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, Flighted, full and on middle, Jaker Ali drills it down the pitch, where Noor Ahmad stops it well on his follow-through.

Rashid Khan to Tawhid Hridoy, Tossed up, full and on leg, Tawhid Hridoy clips it away towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Rashid Khan is once again not happy with the effort of his fielder. He finishes his spell with fine figures ofr 4-0-26-2.

Rashid Khan to Tawhid Hridoy, Googly, short and on middle, turns in, Tawhid Hridoy moves to the leg side and pats it back to the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Jaker Ali, Flighted, full and outside off, Jaker Ali drives it to extra covers, where Noor Ahmad lets it through for a run.

Jaker Ali is in at number 6.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan has his second now as well! He fires this one full and on middle, skids through a bit. Shamim Hossain looks to work it across the line but even before he gets his bat down, the ball hits his front pad right in front of the stumps. There is a huge shout for LBW, and the finger goes up. This looks plumb but Shamim takes the review more in hope than anything. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Hossain walks back for a run-a-ball 11, and Bangladesh are four down now.

Rashid Khan to Tawhid Hridoy, Quicker, short again and on middle, Tawhid Hridoy backs away and punches it through cover-point for a run.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, Short and outside off, Shamim Hossain reaches out and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, A googly on a length, punched back to the bowler by Hridoy. 5 off that over, despite a boundary. Noor Ahmad's figures currently read 3-0-17-2.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, MISFIELD, FOUR! Drags the length back a bit, outside off. Tawhid Hridoy rocks back quickly and cuts it to the right of point. The ball rolls towards the deep and Azmatullah Omarzai runs across to his left from deep cover. Puts in a dive to flick the ball back in the playing area, but fails to do so and crashes into the ropes. Azmatullah Omarzai could have done better there and is furious at himself!

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, A googly, outside off, on a length. Tawhid Hridoy hangs deep in the crease and tries to punch it on the off side, but misses.

Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, Lands it full and around off, Shamim Hossain switches the stance and reverse sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, JAFFA! At 95.1 kph, this is quicker delivery, full and around off, just spinning away a shy bit. Shamim Hossain does not pick that up and tries to flick it away, but misses on the outside edge.

Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, Trying to be a bit too adventurous, is Shamim. Slows it up, full and outside off, spinning away. Shamim Hossain employs the reverse sweep and again, misses to lay bat on ball.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, Flat and quick, around off and middle. Shamim Hossain plants his back knee in the crease and tries to sweep, but mistimes off the toe end, to the backward square leg region for a single. 10 off the over and Rashid Khan's figures read 3-0-21-1 so far.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, Classic leg spinner, on a short length, around off. Shamim Hossain again tries to switch hit, but misses.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, FOUR! In the gap! Fuller and on middle, Shamim Hossain gets down on his knee and sweeps it powerfully to deep square leg for a cracking boundary. Rashid Khan is not happy with the fielder in the deep being a bit too fine.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, Quicker leg break, at 96.4 kph, on middle. Shamim Hossain hangs back and stabs it to the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, MISFIELD, FOUR! Gone through! A leg break, outside off, on a length. Shamim Hossain gets on the back foot and opens the bat face very late, and cuts it to the right of Fazalhaq Farooqi at short third. Farooqi stumbles initially, and dives to his right, but the ball evades him and races to the face behind.

Rashid Khan to Tawhid Hridoy, A deceptive googly, on a length, on middle. Tawhid Hridoy is rushed on the back foot and manages to cut it wide of cover for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, Nice and full, on the stumps. Shamim Hossain tries to reverse sweep but straight to short third.

Shamim Hossain is the next man in.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! Noor Ahmad fishes out another big wicket for Afghanistan and gets his second wicket. Gives the ball more air on this occasion. Lands it full and in front of the sticks. Tanzid Hasan is lured into the flight and tries to spank it downtown. Moves to the leg side, creates room but mistimes it off the toe end towards long off. The ball does not have the distance nor the elevation. A straightforward catch for Ibrahim Zadran at long off. Brave bowling from Noor, though. Tanzid Hasan departs for a brilliant 52 off just 31 and from 87/1, Bangladesh have slipped a bit to 104/3.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Quicker delivery, on the stumps, at 98.8 kph, turning back in. Tanzid Hasan is hurried on the back foot and taps it to mid-wicket.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Full and on the leg stump line. Tanzid Hasan clips it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, Googly, at 88.2 kph, short and wide on off. Tawhid Hridoy stands tall and slaps it through covers for a single. There is a check whether Noor has overstepped. Looks touch and go to be very honest. Not a No Ball, deemed by the umpire.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, SIX! 100 UP FOR BANGLADESH! Drops it full and around the leg stump, does Noor. Tawhid Hridoy picks the length in a trice and slogs it flat, and powers it behind deep square leg for half a dozen!

AM Ghazanfar to Tawhid Hridoy, Short and outside off, Hridoy cuts it square on the off side for a single. Just 5 singles off the over. 8 runs from the last 2 overs for Bangladesh!

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, FIFTY FOR TANZID HASAN! Off just 28 deliveries! This is his 7th T20I half century! A brilliant innings from the Bangladeshi opener in sluggish conditions. Outside off, on a length, Tanzid Hasan rocks back and cuts it to deep point for an easy single. He will aim to bat till the end and help Bangladesh to post a strong total.

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, Pushed through, at 95.4 kph, full and outside off, Hasan knocks it back to the bowler.

AM Ghazanfar to Tawhid Hridoy, Slides onto the pads, on a length. Tawhid Hridoy shuffles to the leg side and nudges it to deep square leg for an easy single.

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, Around off, on a length, Tanzid Hasan hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single. Moves to 49, does Hasan!

AM Ghazanfar to Tawhid Hridoy, AM Ghazanfar is back into the attack. Landed on a length, around leg. Tawhid Hridoy hangs back and steers it to wide deep mid-wicket for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, BEATEN! Just slows it up, does Noor. Fuller and just outside off, spinning away off the deck. Tanzid Hasan lunges ahead to work it across the line and against the spin and is beaten on the outside edge. Close to the off pole as well. What a start for Noor! Just 3 runs and an important wicket off his first over.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Very full, on off, carved out and straight to the bowler.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, Pitched around middle and leg, full in length. Tawhid Hridoy flicks it towards deep square leg for an easy single.

Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, A drift into the batter, full and around off. Tanzid Hasan clips it along the ground to long on for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Tawhid Hridoy, Pushed through, full and around off. Tawhid Hridoy leans forward and drills it down to long off for a single. Gets off the mark, does Hridoy.

Tawhid Hridoy comes out to the middle now.

Noor Ahmad to Litton Das, OUT! LBW! Noor Ahmad gets a wicket on his very first ball and this is a huge, huge one for the Afghans. Noor Ahmad starts off with a full googly, around the leg stump line. Litton Das premeditates and goes for a sweep shot, but the ball sneaks under the bat and thuds on the front pad. A loud, confident appeal for LBW straightaway, but turned down by the umpire. Looked to be pitching outside leg but Rashid Khan has referred it upstairs. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows the ball is pitching inside the line and it is projected to smash into the middle stump. A successful review for the Afghans and the on-field decision is overturned. Litton Das departs for 9 (11) and how many times have we seen a wicket falling right after the hydration break? Bangladesh are 87/2.

DRINKS BREAK. Despite just 28 runs coming in the last 4 overs, Bangladesh are still in a strong position at halfway. Tanzid Hasan has negotiated spin watchfully while Litton Das is gradually settling in. Interestingly, the Afghans haven't bowled Noor Ahmad yet, and have gone with the Rashid-Nabi combination instead. Though they have bowled with control, wickets haven't fallen regularly. And with wickets in hand, this is a perfect launchpad for Bangladesh to post in excess of 160 or 170, which would be a very good score in this do-or-die clash for them. Right on cue - Noor Ahmad to bowl after the break.

Mohammad Nabi to Litton Das, Another short delivery, on middle, Litton Das flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 12 runs off this over.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Goes short again, on middle, Tanzid Hasan works it through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Uppish but safe! Nabi loops it up, full and outside off, turns away, tempting the batter. Tanzid Hasan goes after it to loft it away but ends up slicing it in the air. However, it lands safely wide of the deep point fielder running to his left. Two taken.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! Tanzid Hasan moves into the 40s with this clean hit! Mohammad Nabi drags his length back, on middle. Hasan picks up the length early, rocks back and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Mohammad Nabi to Litton Das, Short again and on middle, angling in, Litton Das nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter, short and on off, skids through, Tanzid Hasan winds up for the slog sweep initially but sees the length is not there. He adjusts well and steers it to backward point for a single.

Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Dragged back and on off, Tanzid Hasan pulls it to deep square leg for one more. Just 6 off this over. 16 from the last 3 overs for Bangladesh.

Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Slows it up, shortish and on off, Tanzid Hasan pats it to the left of the bowler, Rashid quickly moves to that side to stop it.

Rashid Khan to Litton Das, Flighted, full and on middle, Litton Das works it through square leg for another run.

Rashid Khan to Litton Das, Good effort in the deep! Googly, short and on midlde, turns in, Litton Das moves back and heaves it away as the ball travels fast, wide of deep square leg. Noor Ahmad quickly runs to his left and makes a fine diving stop to keep it down to two runs.

Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Floated, full and on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Litton Das, Shorter in length and on middle, Litton Das pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

No change. Rashid Khan (1-0-5-1) to continue.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Sees the batter advance, slows it up and bowls it short around off, turns away, Tanzid Hasan has to adjust and only manages to steer it to point. Just 5 runs off Nabi's first over. Afghanistan are starting to pull things back now as they have conceded just 10 runs in the last 12 balls.

Mohammad Nabi to Litton Das, Quicker one, full and on leg, Litton Das clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Litton Das, Drags his length back, on middle, Litton Das pats it to the right of the bowler, where Nabi gathers it up.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Arm ball, full and on middle, angles in, Tanzid Hasan bunts it out towards long on for a run.

Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Floats it up, short and on middle, Tanzid Hasan stays back and nudges it with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and turns around for a risky second run. Rashid Khan is quick to charge in from the deep, picks up and throws it at the keeper's end, but it is just a bit wide and Hasan makes his ground. A direct hit would have gotten him there

Mohammad Nabi to Litton Das, Flatter, short and around off, Litton Das moves back and heaves it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan against Bangladesh in T20Is. He has now taken 23 wickets in 12 matches. His best is 4/12, with an economy of under 6 and has also picked up 2 four-fors. Spin continues to be in tandem, but 'Mr. President' Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack. He replaces AM Ghazanfar.

Rashid Khan to Litton Das, Slows it up, full and on off, Litton Das steps across and tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Litton Das, Flighted, full and on middle, Litton Das strides out to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Bangladesh skipper, Litton Das, is in at 3.

Rashid Khan to Saif Hassan, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Rashid Khan gets his man! A much-needed wicket for Afghanistan, and the 63-run opening stand has been broken now. This is another wrong'un, full and on off, keeps a bit low. Saif Hassan goes down to sweep it away but plays all over it and gets nowhere near the ball. It goes under the bat and rattles the off pole. Rashid Khan gives a cold, steely stare at the batter. Saif walks back for a fine 30 off 28, giving the start Bangladesh needed in this big game.

Rashid Khan to Saif Hassan, A googly, short and on middle and leg, turns in, Saif Hassan backs away to cut but gets another inside edge towards fine leg for a brace. He has got lucky on a couple of occasions now.

Rashid Khan to Saif Hassan, Floated, full and on off, Saif Hassan drives it firmly through extra covers for a couple of runs.

Rashid Khan to Saif Hassan, Flatter, short and on middle and leg, Saif Hassan moves back and stabs it out on the pitch.

No wonder as Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack to stem the run flow, and more importantly to provide the breakthrough. He replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! HUGE! 19 runs off the over! Loopy delivery, full and on middle, angling in, Tanzid Hasan once again goes down and smokes it powerfully way over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more. Bangladesh are off to a flier here, and are 59 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, MORE RUNS! AM Ghazanfar follows the batter, bowls this quicker and shorter, on leg. Saif Hassan gets cramped up for room as he tries to cut but gets an inside edge down to fine leg. Fazalhaq Farooqi from short fine chases after it and collects it right before the ropes. Three taken.

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter, full and on middle, Tanzid Hasan eases it to long on for a run. Sensible cricket, and that also brings up the 50 for Bangladesh.

AM Ghazanfar to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! BOOM! Tanzid Hasan goes big now! Flighted, full and on middle and off, turns in a bit. Hasan goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep with the turn over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Just when AM Ghazanfar was about to deliver the ball, he loses his grip and the ball drops to his right. Uses a towel to dry it up and is ready to reload.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Fires in a low full toss, on leg, Saif Hassan makes room to drive but gets a bottom edge towards mid on for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, In the air....SAFE! Tossed up, full and around middle, Saif Hassan backs away and tries to go over covers but mistimes it in the air. The ball flies in the air and lands just over the extra cover and cover fielders running backwards. Two taken.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, Shortish delivery, angling into the batter, pulled away to deep backward square leg for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, Hits the deck hard, on top of middle. Saif Hassan tries to slash it away to the off side, but misses as the ball passes above his angled bat.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, FOUR! Skilfully played, but at the same time, a brilliant effort in the deep. In vain, though! On a good length, angling into the batter from middle. Saif uses his wrists and short-arm jabs it in front of the square on the leg. Sediqullah Atal from deep backward square leg runs across the circumference of the boundary, to his left, and puts in a dive to flick the ball back in the playing area. The third umpire is summoned to check whether Atal's body is in contact with the ball and the ropes at the same time. After checking several angles very closely it is deemed a boundary. But full marks for the effort from Sediqullah Atal!

The physio is in for a mandatory concussion check. That bouncer surely rattled Saif Hassan, and he needs a bit of time to recover. He is taking some fluids in as well, and it looks like he is good to continue now.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, A well-directed bumper from Omarzai, outside off, with some extra kick off the deck. Saif Hassan is hurried to pull and edges it onto the helmet grille. The ball deflects and flies over the ring toward the deep third fence, where the ball is flicked with a slide by the fielder from the inner ring. Two taken. And there will be a compulsory concussion test for Saif.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Tanzid Hasan, Hard length, on middle. Tanzid Hasan dances down the track and drills it down, between mid off  and mid off for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Tanzid Hasan, BEATEN! Angles it outside off, on a good length with a slight shape away. Tanzid Hasan is forced to poke at it, from the crease and is beaten on the outside edge.

Will Fazalhaq Farooqi get a third over? Nope, he won't. Change of ends for Azmatullah Omarzai.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Follows the batter, and slides it into the leg stump line on a length. Saif Hassan rocks back but is cramped for space and inside edges it to the short fine leg fielder. Looks to pinch in a single, but it was never there. 8 off AM Ghazanfar's first over. 24 from the last two overs for Bangladesh!

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Seeing Hassan dancing down the track, AM Ghazanfar pulls the length back, on middle. All Saif could do is nudge that into the leg side with soft hands.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, SIX! That will give him a lot of confidence! That is MASSIVE! Full and pushed through, on middle. Saif Hassan backs away, creates room and hoists it straight down the ground for a cracking 85-meter six into the stands.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Length, on the leg stump. Saif Hassan works it to short mid-wicket off the back foot.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Drifting into the batter, on middle and leg. Saif Hassan knocks it straight back to the bowler.

AM Ghazanfar to Saif Hassan, Over the stumps, spinning to the leg stump, on a length. Hassan hangs back and tuckes it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Change? Yes, time for some mystery spin. AM Ghazanfar replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! Two in two for Hasan! Good length, around off, shaping in, takes pace off too. Tanzid Hasan stands tall and pulls it straight down the ground for a boundary to the right of long on. The fourth boundary of the over and Fazalhaq Farooqi's figures read 2-0-19-0.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! Gets it through! Tails in a long way, from outside off to the middle stump, on a length. Tanzid Hasan gets a bit across and drives it a bit uppishly, to the right of mid on for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, Not a bad review from the Afghans! On a good length, tailing into the batter, around the middle stump, with some bounce. Tanzid Hasan tries to ride the bounce and tuck it across into the leg side, but the ball sneaks past the inside edge and raps on the back pad. A huge appeal for LBW, but not given. Fazalhaq Farooqi looks certain and convinces Rashid Khan to send this one upstairs for a review! Into the forensics now. There is no spike on the UltraEdge as the ball is next to the inside edge. Ball Tracking comes up and shows the ball hitting the top of the leg and middle stumps, on the umpire's call. Afghanistan do not lose the review but this is a tough examination by the bowlers.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! Edgy, very edgy at the moment, are the Bangladeshi openers! Touch full and shaping away from outside off. Tanzid Hasan gets a bit of a bottom edge and the ball races to the left of the first slip fielder for a boundary at deep third.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, EDGED AND FOUR! The keeper and the first slip fielder are looking at each other and Rashid is not happy one bit. Swinging away from the batter, on a hard length, outside off. Tanzid Hasan gets forward and slashes hard at it, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball shoots flat, between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib. Gurbaz moves a bit to his left but Naib is stationary and the ball races through for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, A slip in place. Outswinger, outside off, on a good length. Tanzid Hasan hangs back and tries to cut it square, but plays the ball away from the body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, On a hard length, outside off. Saif Hassan hops in the crease and steers it with soft hands to the point region. 5 off Omarzai's first over.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, Nagging length into the bodyline, nipping in a bit now. Saif Hassan rides the bounce and taps it across into the leg side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, An appeal for caught behind, but not given. Good response by Azmatullah Omarzai! This is on a good length, just outside off, with some extra bounce. Saif Hassan is caught the crease and is forced to poke at it. The ball just nibbles away a bit and beats the outside edge by a kitten-whisker. The UltraEdge later shows no spike.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, Swing and a miss! Hits the deck hard, does Omarzai. Around off on a length. Saif Hassan dances down the track and tries to whack it over the off side, but gets a bit too far to create room and misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, FOUR! That's more like it! The first boundary of the game for Bangladesh and Saif! Azmat offers it into the slot, full and on middle and leg. Saif Hassan picks it up nicely and whips it over backward square leg. The man from deep square leg runs across to cut it off, but the ball races away.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, Outside off, on a good length. Saif Hassan flashes at it and hits it straight to the man at point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saif Hassan, WIDE! Reload! A loosener, going down leg, on a length. Saif Hassan misses to glance that away. Wide called.

Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack. Also, Bangladesh's last 6 opening stands against full-member nations in T20Is have all been in the single digits. Not ideal at all for a team like them.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tanzid Hasan, Tanzid, too, is off the mark. Full and outside off, shaping a shy bit away. Tanzid Hasan gently caresses it between cover and point for a couple of runs. What a questioning opening over from Fazalhaq Farooqi. Just 3 runs off it.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saif Hassan, DROPPED! A good effort from Azmatullah Omarzai and had he clung on to that, it would have been a screamer of a catch. Full in length, outside off, Saif Hassan leans into the shot and hits it uppishly to the right of cover. Azmatullah Omarzai leaps and sticks his right hand up. But gets the ball parried behind off the fingertips. A single taken and Saif Hassan is off the mark!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saif Hassan, BEATEN! Good-length delivery, across off, nipping away. Saif Hassan advances down the track and tries to send the ball to Dubai, but meets only a handful of air.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saif Hassan, Swings the other way. On a length, outside off, Saif Hassan is beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saif Hassan, Huge appeal for LBW, but the finger stays down. Fazalhaq Farooqi looks confident, but going by Rashid Khan's expressions, he is not very sure about the pitching of the ball. Hence, he does not review it. This swings into the batter very late, on a fuller length, around the leg stump. Saif Hassan plays over the line to flick and is beaten on the inside edge. Gets rapped on the front pad. This looks very close and the replay shows that the ball is pitching inside the line, but the projection shows the ball missing the leg stump. So, a good decision from Rashid to not review it.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saif Hassan, Farooqui starts off with a peach! Spots Saif charging down the track, Fazalhaq Farooqi slants it wide outside off, across the batter. Saif Hassan misses connecting for a drive on this full ball. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Done with the pre-match formalities! The fans have come in numbers for this crucial clash, and it is pretty evenly matched. We can see the Afghanistan players spread out and take up their respective field positions. First big change for Bangladesh - the opening pair! It is Saif Hassan walking out with Tanzid Hasan. Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand as expected and is raring to go with two slips in place as well. Let's play...

The floodlights are on at the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Stadium, and we are moments away from the start. But before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the respective national anthems. It will be Bangladesh's first, followed by that of Afghanistan.

PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold is pitchside. He says this is the pitch that was used in the last game, and it is a bit dry, but on a closer look, it looks like a fresh wicket. Ravi Shastri joins him and says that there is some grass, but it is brown and burnt. Adds that there is a bit of scarring as well with all the running around. He expects it to be on the slower side but not much turn. Litton said 160 would be an ideal score here, but Ravi reckons they will need 10-15 extra runs to make it a winning score.

Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (C/WK), Saif Hassan (In for Parvez Hossain Emon), Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (In for Mahedi Hasan), Nasum Ahmed (In for Tanzim Hasan Sakib), Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed (In for Shoriful Islam).

The captain of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, says they would have batted first as well and wanted to put runs on board. But also adds that it doesn't really matter in T20 cricket, and it is all about playing a good brand of cricket. Highlights that they didn't have too many rest days, as they had to play the first game right after the Tri-Series final. Shares that the boys had a good couple of days off coming into this game. Mentions that they have a good bowling lineup, but also stresses that you still need to bowl well and put the batters under pressure. Adds that they need to hit the right areas and need to come out with a positive mindset. On his fitness, Rashid expresses that he is happy to feel the same way he was feeling before the surgery. Ends by saying he is looking forward to enjoying this game.

The captain of Bangladesh, Litton Das, says that they will bat first. Adds that all the boys are excited to play this game. Mentions that this is the last group game for them and they have to win it. Says that the wicket looks good and 160 would be a ideal score but also expects it to be on the slower side. Tells that they have been playing good cricket in recent times and one bad day doesn't change much for them. Informs that they have made four changes, with Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, and Saif Hassan coming into the team, and they are going with three spinners and two pacers.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Bangladesh and Litton Das elects to BAT first.

JUST IN - In a big blow to Afghanistan's pace bowling artillery, Naveen Ul Haq, the right-arm seamer, has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a shoulder injury. Abdullah Ahmadzai has been named as Naveen's replacement. Ahmadzai made his T20I debut in the recently concluded Tri-Series in Sharjah. More on Naveen, he was declared unfit by the Afghanistan Cricket Board's medical team, and hence, he couldn't make it to the playing XI against Hong Kong, China in the curtain raiser. He will fly back home for an 'intensive rehabilitation and treatment'.

The last time these two sides met was in the 2024 T20 World Cup at Kingstown, where Afghanistan outplayed Bangladesh and stormed into their maiden T20 World Cup semi-final that year. Overall, they also hold a narrow 7-5 lead against Bangladesh, in T20Is. In Abu Dhabi, in this Asia Cup, the record has been even with two wins each for teams batting first and chasing. A win tonight would push Afghanistan to the top of the table while Bangladesh would climb to second. Out of the eight games played so far, only one has truly offered some real competition, so here’s hoping this clash brings the dose of thrill and edge-of-the-seat entertainment the tournament has been missing. Toss and team news coming up shortly.

Bangladesh have been underwhelming so far, especially with the bat. The top order just hasn’t provided the kind of start they would’ve expected. Both Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan have struggled to cross 25 individually, and as a pair, leaving the middle order with the constant task of playing catch-up. Skipper Litton Das has been the standout performer, but he’s often had far too much to shoulder on his own. Even in their win over Hong Kong, China, the chase dragged longer than it should have, costing them a chance to boost their net run rate. The bowling unit has been steady and disciplined across spin and pace, but without runs on the board, their job becomes twice as hard. A few extra from the batters up front could make all the difference. Taskin Ahmed was shockingly rested against Sri Lanka but the seamer will likely be back in the eleven for this important clash.

The Afghans come into this clash fresh from a week’s break and after a commanding 94-run win over Hong Kong, China. Sediqullah Atal has been a shining light at the top, whereas Azmatullah Omarzai continues to be a reliable all-rounder for them. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz is still searching for form with a streak of consecutive low scores, and this might just be the stage for him to fire. With the ball, they continue to grow stronger. Pace has been fiery, but the real edge is the luxury of having so many spin options led by the evergreen Rashid Khan. Few teams in the competition can match that depth, making Afghanistan a challenging prospect under pressure.

As any multilateral tournament heads towards the crunch phase, every single game holds a huge weightage. The same goes for this one as well. As you all know, only two of the four teams from both groups will advance to the Super 4s. It is a do-or-die situation for Bangladesh, as with one win and a humbling defeat, they are positioned in third spot. This is their last league game, and a defeat will knock them out. Whereas Afghanistan still have a couple of games to play, and both are going to be tough ones. But they do have the luxury of winning any one of the two remaining to stay alive. The competition is so tough in this group, as still, three teams can finish at four points, and if that scenario comes into play, the net run rate will be the kingmaker. That’s where Bangladesh are vulnerable, sitting in the negative territory, while Afghanistan currently boasts the best numbers of the lot.

We are back in the city of Abu Dhabi for one of the most important league games of the Asia Cup 2025. Of what is called the group of death by the cricketing pundits, true indeed, the spirited Bangladesh are all set to take on the buoyant Afghanistan at the lavish Sheikh Zayed Stadium. On that note, we welcome you all for our coverage of what is expected to be a thriller of a Group B clash. Great to have you all with us.

... MATCH DAY ...

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set for a high-stakes clash in Match 9 of the Asia Cup 2025, with both teams looking to strengthen their push for a spot in the next round. Bangladesh opened their campaign with a confident seven-wicket win over Hong Kong, China, where Litton Das anchored the chase with 59, and their bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain, showed early promise. However, it all came crashing down against Sri Lanka, which makes this one a must-win game for them. Afghanistan too began with a commanding 94-run victory over Hong Kong, China, powered by Sediqullah Atal’s composed 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s blistering fifty, though coach Jonathan Trott has stressed the need for more stability after a mid-innings wobble. This contest promises a fascinating battle between Afghanistan’s spin trio and Bangladesh’s in-form top order, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad expected to play a central role in choking runs through the middle overs. For Bangladesh, Litton Das remains key, while Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali add depth and balance to the batting lineup. The batters didn't have a great game against the Lankans and will be desperate to turn things around here. Taskin, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will aim to strike early, especially against Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who have been game-changers in recent meetings. Historically, Afghanistan have had the upper hand in Asia Cup encounters, winning three of their five clashes against Bangladesh, including a memorable chase in 2022. However, Bangladesh’s 334-run batting masterclass in the 2023 edition showed they have the firepower to dominate as well. Both teams will see this as a pivotal game, with the Afghans eager to show their batting maturity and the Bangla Tigers aiming to prove their consistency. Whose side are you on?