Afghanistan vs Bangladesh first T20I: Highlights from Sharjah

And that's a wrap from today's match. Bangladesh have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I will be played on Friday, October 3rd, at 2.30 pm GMT. Tune in for pre-match coverage and join us again for exciting cricket action. Until then, stay safe and goodbye!

Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali praised his team's performance despite acknowledging areas for improvement in both bowling and batting. After a strong start, Bangladesh held their nerve to secure a win against a good Afghan side. Ali noted that cricket is unpredictable, and while Afghanistan fought hard, the win was what mattered. He highlighted the need to improve in specific areas, particularly in bowling at the death overs, but was pleased with the overall performance, which gave his team confidence ahead of their next match.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan reflected on his team's recent performance, acknowledging that while they made a good comeback, they could have finished stronger. He emphasized the importance of execution in T20 cricket, particularly in maintaining momentum, and felt that a total of 170 would have been more competitive. Khan also highlighted areas for improvement ahead of the World Cup, including shot selection and the need for players to bring their natural game, with attacking players playing aggressively rather than defensively. He noted that Afghanistan's bowling in the first six overs was subpar and that the team managed to gain momentum only when they hit their stride in the last 10 overs, finding some positives to build on for their next match.

Parvez Hossain Emon, the Player of the Match, expressed his delight with the opening partnership and credited his success to playing according to his merit. He praised Rashid for a good job but gave special mention to Nurul Hasan for finishing the game well, and emphasized that the team will continue to give their best efforts.

Stay tuned for the presentation ...

Earlier in the game, Afghanistan won the toss and batted first, posting 151/9. They struggled, losing wickets regularly, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz held one end with 40 off 31 deliveries. They lost early wickets, including three in the Powerplay. Mohammad Nabi's 38 and Azmatullah Omarzai's 18, helped propel Afghanistan to a competitive total. For Bangladesh, Rishad and Tanzim picked up key wickets despite being expensive, while Nasum and Mustafizur Rahman bowled economically, with Nasum shining in the powerplay and Mustafizur in the middle overs.

Bangladesh's fortunes dramatically shifted from 109/0 to 118/6, tilting the game in Afghanistan's favor. However, a late partnership between Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain, adding 35 runs off 18 balls, turned the tide back in Bangladesh's favor. Nurul contributed 23 runs, while Rishad scored 14, ultimately sealing the win for Bangladesh.

Afghanistan's spin duo of Rashid and Noor bowled a magical spell, restricting Bangladesh to just 39 runs off 8 overs and claiming 5 crucial wickets between them, with Rashid taking 4 wickets. This dramatic turn of events swung the momentum in Afghanistan's favor.

Bangladesh seals the first T20I of the series, beating Afghanistan by 4 wickets. Bangladesh's strong start, with 95 runs scored in the first 10 overs without losing a wicket, put immense pressure on Afghanistan, effectively shutting out their chances of a comeback and setting up a dominant position for Bangladesh in the match.

18.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishad Hossain, FOUR! Rishad Hossain hits this away for four and gets the winning runs. Bangladesh have defeated Afghanistan by 4 wickets. Short-pitched, on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain pulls this towards fine leg region for four to close the game.

18.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, Short and wide of off, Nurul Hasan dabs this to third man region for one.

18.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, SIX! OUTRAGEOUS! Nurul Hasan, under pressure, has played a blinder. Too full, around off, Nurul Hasan plays the reverse scoop and connects welll. The ball goes all the way for a biggie towards the third man region. 

18.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Nurul Hasan, SIX! IN HIS ARC AND OUT OF THE PARK! Nurul puts this game to bed with this biggie to start the 19th. On a length around middle and off, Nurul Hasan clears his front foot and slogs this up and over the fence towards long on for six.

17.6: Fareed Ahmad to Rishad Hossain, FOUR! That's gone right behind the keeper for four runs. Short-pitched, on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain goes for the pull but gets it edged behind the keeper for a boundary. 

17.5: Fareed Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, Short and wide of off, Nurul Hasan thumps this to short cover for a quick single. 

17.4: Fareed Ahmad to Rishad Hossain, Back of a length on the pads, Rishad Hossain tucks this through mid-wicket for one. The batters were keen for two but Fareed and Nurul Hasan collides and Nurul ends up on the ground as the aftereffect of it. No harm done to either palyer.

17.3: Fareed Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, On a length around middle and leg, Nurul Hasan looks for the flick but gets it off the bottom of his bat towards deep square for one.

17.2: Fareed Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, FOUR! A brilliant stroke for four from Nurul. Back of a length around off, Nurul Hasan steps a long way across and gets inside the line of it, smashes this behind square for a boundary. Bangladesh now needs 23 off the last 16.

17.1: Fareed Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, Short and wide outside off, Nurul Hasan looks to cut this but misses out.

16.6: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Rishad Hossain, FOUR! A boundary to finish the over and Bangladesh's dressing room will breathe a sigh of relief with this. Short of a length on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain smashes this to the gap between long on and deep mid-wicket for four.

16.5: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Nurul Hasan, Short of a length on middle and off, Nurul Hasan pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one.

16.4: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Rishad Hossain, Pushed through on the pads, Rishad Hossain nudges this to mid-wicket for one.

16.3: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Rishad Hossain, Fuller on off, Rishad Hossain blocks this out.

16.2: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Rishad Hossain, DID THAT CARRY? Looking at the bowler's reaction, it feels like it did. Tossed up on off, Rishad Hossain smashes this back to the bowler but he fails to grab hold of it and the ball goes through him.

16.1: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Nurul Hasan, Too full on the pads, Nurul Hasan flicks this to short fine for one.

15.6: Noor Ahmad to Rishad Hossain, Foated around off, Rishad Hossain looks to block this but gts beaten on the outside.

15.5: Noor Ahmad to Rishad Hossain, Fuller on off, Rishad Hossain blocks this out.

15.4: Noor Ahmad to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, OUT! TRAPPED IN FRONT! Tanzim is trapped in front of the stumps and out of nowhere, Afghanistan will feel they are the favorites from here on. Fuller, on middle and leg, Tanzim Hasan Sakib goes for the sweep but gets beaten and wears it on his front pad. A confident appeal from Noor Ahmad, and after a good thought the umpire raises his finger. Tanzim gestures to send this upstairs but Bangladesh are left with no reviews.

15.3: Noor Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, Full and wide of off, Nurul Hasan reverse sweeps this towards short third for one.

15.2: Noor Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, Floated on the pads, Nurul Hasan tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.

15.1: Noor Ahmad to Nurul Hasan, Panic button is being pressed by Bangladesh as Nurul Hasan goes for an unnecessary reverse. Gets it edged back to the keeper but on the bounce. 

14.6: Rashid Khan to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Floated full and wide of off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib looks to get bat on ball but gets beaten. Rashid Khan finishes with 4-0-18-4. 

14.5: Rashid Khan to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Quicker one on off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib keeps it out.

14.4: Rashid Khan to Shamim Hossain, OUT! KHAN WORKS HIS MAGIC AGAIN! Plumb in front. Fuller, around middle and leg, turning away from the left-handed Shamim. The batter rocks onto his back foot and looks to block this one but gets beaten as the ball spins sharply and hits him on the front pad in front of the stumps. An appeal from Rashid and co. and the umpire raises his finger. Shamim Hossain sends this upstairs but three reds on Ball Trackers confirm the decision of OUT. Bangladesh loses all their reviews.

14.3: Rashid Khan to Nurul Hasan, Fuller on the pads, Nurul Hasan clips this towards deep square for a single.

Nurul Hasan walks out next. 

14.2: Rashid Khan to Jaker Ali, OUT! PLUMB! Pushed through from Rashid Khan, around middle and off. Jaker Ali sits down and goes for the sweep but misses out and gets hit on the front pad. A gentle appeal from Rashid was enough for the umpire to raise his finger. Jaker Ali sends this up for a review. The Ball Tracker shows the umpire's call on impact and two reds otherwise confirming the on-field decision. 

14.1: Rashid Khan to Jaker Ali, Fuller on off, Jaker Ali punches this to mid off for no run.

13.6: Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, A bit too full, on off, Shamim Hossain jams this out.

13.5: Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, Fuller on off, Shamim Hossain defends this to the mid-wicket region.

13.4: Noor Ahmad to Shamim Hossain, Short of a length on off, Shamim Hossain goes for the reverse but misses out.

13.3: Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, Fuller on off, Jaker Ali sweeps this behind square for one.

13.2: Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, FOUR! It has been a day to forget for Sediqullah Atal so far. Tossed up on off, Jaker Ali sweeps this straight towards Sediqullah Atal at deep backward square but Atal overruns it and the ball spins away from him after bouncing in front. Atal fails to turn around and field this and collects it from over the ropes.

13.1: Noor Ahmad to Jaker Ali, Fuller on off, Jaker Ali defends this out.

Shamim Hossain walks out next.

12.6: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust and maybe Afghanistan can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Fuller and flatter around off, Tanzid Hasan looks to punch this towards cover but the ball gets a faint tickle off the outside of Tanzid Hasan's bat and Mohammad Ishaq makes no mistake and pouches this. 

12.5: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller, wide of off, turning away from the batter. Tanzid Hasan looks to push this through cover but gets beaten. 

12.4: Rashid Khan to Jaker Ali, Fuller on the pads, Jaker Ali nudges this through square leg for one.

12.3: Rashid Khan to Jaker Ali, Fuller on middle and leg, Jaker Ali pushes this to mid-wicket for no run.

Jaker Ali walks out next. 

12.2: Rashid Khan to Saif Hassan, Wrong'un around middle and leg. Saif Hassan prods in front and looks to block this but gets beaten by the turn and gets hit on his front pad. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Rashid Khan sends this upstairs for a DRS. The Ball Tracker shows that this would have hit middle and leg and Saif Hassan has got to go back. Excellent review by Rashid Khan and Afghanistan. Bangladesh lose two in a quick succession.

12.1: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Googly around middle and off, Tanzid Hasan rocks back and nudges this through square leg for one.

11.6: Fareed Ahmad to Saif Hassan, Back of a length on off, Saif Hassan dabs this to short third for no run.

11.5: Fareed Ahmad to Saif Hassan, Good length on off, Saif Hassan pushes this towards the on-side for no run.

Saif Hassan walks out next.

11.4: Fareed Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, OUT! Trapped in front. Good length, angling into the batter on off. Parvez Hossain Emon swings and misses out. The ball beats Emon on the inside and goes on to strike him on the front pad before rolling to third man region. Fareed Ahmad and the Afghan side appealed for LBW and it took a bit of time for the umpire to raise his finger. Parvez Hossain Emon, after a discussion with his partner on the other end, sends this upstairs. The Ball Tracker shows three reds on the giant screen and Bangladesh loses a review and Parvez Hossain Emon on 54 as well. 

11.3: Fareed Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, FOUR! It keeps getting better for the fans of Bangladesh. Back of a length around off, Parvez Hossain Emon stands on his back foot and smashes this up and over cover for a boundary more. 

11.2: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, FIFTY FOR TANZID AS WELL! Good length on off, Tanzid Hasan punches this in the gap for a single to bring up his half-century. Both the openers for Bangladesh have got past their respective half-centuries.

11.1: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, On a length around middle and leg, Tanzid Hasan flicks this to mid-wicket for no run.

10.6: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller on the pads, Tanzid Hasan works this though square leg for one.

10.5: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! One bounce and it goes over the rope for four. Tossed up on off, Tanzid Hasan lofts this straight down the ground, behind the bower for a boundary towards the sight screen.

10.4: Noor Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, FIFTY FOR EMON! Short and wide of off, Parvez Hossain Emon punches this to sweeper cover for a single to bring up his half-century.

10.3: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Tossed up on off, Tanzid Hasan sweeps this to deep backward square for another single. 

10.2: Noor Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, Tossed up around middle and off, Parvez Hossain Emon paddles this to fine leg for one.

10.1: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Wrong'un, around middle and leg, Tanzim Hasan Sakib gets it edged off the inside and the ball clips his pad before deflecting to point for one.

Time for a drinks break. Bangladesh are off to a flying start as they have scored 95 off the first 10. Noor's remaining 3 overs and 2 from Rashid Khan will be key for Afghanistan, if they are to stage any sort of comeback in this contest. 

9.6: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller on middle and leg, Tanzid Hasan works this through mid-wicket for one.

9.5: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Parvez Hossain Emon, Fuller down the leg, Parvez Hossain Emon sweeps this behind square for a single. 

9.4: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Parvez Hossain Emon, SIX! GO FETCH THAT SAYS EMON! Fuller, around middle and off, Parvez Hossain Emon plants his front foot away from the line of it and slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a 90m hit for six.

9.3: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanzid Hasan, Quicker one, on middle and leg, Tanzid Hasan nudges this through mid-wicket and rotates again.

9.2: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Parvez Hossain Emon, Fired onto the pads, Parvez Hossain Emon flicks this through square leg for one.

9.2: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanzid Hasan, NO BALL! Pushed through on middle and leg, Tanzim Hasan Sakib clips this to long on for one. The buzzer is buzzing and it signals that the bowler has overstepped. 

9.1: Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! Smashed away for a biggie. Tossed up on middle and off, Tanzid Hasan shimmies down the track and smashes this up and over the fielder at cove for a biggie towards the wide long off region.

8.6: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Pushed through on off, Tanzid Hasan rocks back and flicks this through mid-wicket for a single. 

8.5: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Floated around the pads, Parvez Hossain Emon sweeps this to deep mid-wicket for one this time. 

8.4: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, FOUR! Emon isn't showing any respect to Rashid as he takes him on. Tossed up on middle and off, Parvez Hossain Emon slog sweeps this wide to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 

8.3: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller around off, Tanzid Hasan looks to nudge this around leg but closes the bat face early. Edges this off the outside towards short third and takes a quick single. 

8.2: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Tossed up on leg, Parvez Hossain Emon sweeps this to deep square for one.

8.1: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Fuller around leg, Parvez Hossain Emon looks to flick btu gets beaten and wears it on his pads.

7.6: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter and quicker at the stumps. Tanzid knocks it to the left of the bowler.

7.5: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR BYES! BONUS RUNS! Tosses it full and spins away, around off. Tanzid looks to drive and misses. The keeper fails to collect it and this runs down to the ropes for four byes.

7.4: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Skiddy length ball, just outside off. Tanzid looks to cut and misses.

7.3: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Overpitched on off. Tanzid picks it early and tonks it over the bowler for a lovely hit.

7.2: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Tossed up wrong'un, on off. Tanzid bunts it back to the bowler.

7.1: Noor Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Floated full, outside off. Tanzid looks to drive and misses.

Noor Ahmad gets the ball now. 

6.6: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter arm ball, on off. Tanzid punches it to long-off for one.

6.5: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Tad short, on off. Emon goes back and miscues the pull toward long-on. Lands on the bounce to the fielder there. Single taken.

6.4: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Quicker and fuller, on off. Emon presses forward and defends into covers.

6.3: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Quicker length ball, on the middle and leg. Pulled to the long-leg region for a single.

6.2: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, SIX! BANG! Floated full, on off. Tanzid sits low and slogs it over the cow-corner boundary for half a dozen.

6.1: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter, just outside off. Punched to the right of the bowler.

5.6: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, FOUR! FINDS THE GAP! Floated full, on off. Emon sits low and sweeps it nicely through the backward square leg region to find the ropes. Bangladesh are 50/0 at the end of the Powerplay.

5.5: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Dropped short, on the middle. Emon pulls it in the gap at the cow-corner region for a couple.

5.4: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Tossed up on the leg. Emon sweeps this to short fine leg. Two dots in a row.

5.3: Rashid Khan to Parvez Hossain Emon, Another leg break, on the leg. Emon nudges it toward backward square leg.

5.2: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter leggie, on the middle and leg. Tucked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

5.1: Rashid Khan to Tanzid Hasan, Tossed up googly, on off. Tanzid prods and defends.

Rashid Khan brings himself to bowl. 

4.6: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, DROPPED AGAIN! Tosses it full, slower through the air, on off. Emon gets on his knee for another slog-sweep, ends up getting the top edge toward the short fine leg region. Fareed Ahmad juggles a few times before putting it down. 

4.5: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, SIX! EMON RUBS SALT ON THE WOUNDS! Low full toss on off. Emon sits low and dispatches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a powerful hit.

4.4: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Floated full, on off. Emon sits low to slog it out of the park, but miscues it toward the deep mid-off region. Gurbaz runs in from the ropes, puts the dive, but fails to grab the chance. Two runs taken.

4.3: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Quicker arm ball, on the middle and leg. Tanzid knocks it to long-on for one.

4.2: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Flatter on the middle. Punched to mid-on for one.

4.1: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, SIX! BOOM! Dropped short, on off. Emon rocks back, picks the bones out of it and smashes it over the wide long-on fence, onto the roof for a colossal hit.

Mohammad Nabi will continue into his second over.

3.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tanzid Hasan, Short of a good length, around off. Tanzid steers it through the backward point region and takes a couple.

3.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! HELPED AWAY! Pitched full, on the leg. Tanzid clips it past the short fine leg fielder for an easy boundary.

3.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Back of a length delivery, on the middle. Emon pulls it hard but straight to deep backward square leg for one.

3.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, On a fullish length and outside off. Emon drives it toward cover point fielder, who gets a hand, and saves a couple. Two runs taken.

3.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Back of a length delivery, just outside off. Emon looks to pull and misses.

3.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, FOUR! STAND AND DELIVER! Slower full ball, at the stumps. Emon clears the front leg and drills it through mid-on for a thumping boundary.

2.6: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller and quicker on off. Tanzid heaves it off the inner half to square leg. Tidy start from Nabi.

2.5: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter delivery, on off. Tanzid knocks it back at Nabi.

2.4: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Flatter arm ball, on the middle and leg. Emon punches this toward mid-on for a risky single. Direct hit at the bowler's end but he makes the ground.

2.3: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Darted full, and just past the leg stump. Emon moves across for the slog-sweep but misses it completely.

2.2: Mohammad Nabi to Parvez Hossain Emon, Fuller and quicker on the middle. Emon looks to sweep but misses onto the pad.

2.1: Mohammad Nabi to Tanzid Hasan, Flatter arm ball, on the middle and leg. Tanzid tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

1.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Fuller than a good length, on off. Emon steers it to backward point.

1.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Yorker length delivery, on the leg stump line. Emon shuffles across to flick but misses again and gets struck in front. Appeal from the bowler but turned down by the umpire.

1.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Length ball, shapes back into the leg pole. Emon looks to flick and misses. Goes off the pad toward square leg.

1.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Goes full, and around off. Emon reaches for it and drives to the cover point fielder.

1.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, Good length delivery, on the middle. Emon prods forward and tucks it off the inner half toward the deep backward square leg region for a couple.

1.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Parvez Hossain Emon, On a length, and around off. Emon watchfully lets it go.

Azmatullah Omarzai will share the attack.

0.6: Fareed Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, Back of a length, just outside off. Emon dabs it down to deep third region for one.

0.5: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller than a good length, outside off. Tanzid advances and finds the gap through the cover region. Nabi gives the chase and stops it just inside the ropes. Three runs taken.

0.4: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! DISPATCHED! Short of a good length, on the middle Tanzid picks it early and pulls it over the mid-wicket region, races away to the ropes in a flash.

0.3: Fareed Ahmad to Parvez Hossain Emon, Back of a length delivery, just outside off. Emon cuts it hard into the ground, toward the backward point region. Half a stop from the fielder keeps it to one.

0.2: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh are away! Pitched full, on off. Tanzid runs it down to the deep third region for a single to get off the mark.

0.1: Fareed Ahmad to Tanzid Hasan, Back of a length delivery, just outside off. Tanzid rides the bounce and stabs into the off-side of the pitch.

We are back with the chase. Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon walk out as the opening pair for Bangladesh with Fareed Ahmad ready to bowl the first over for Afghanistan. 

... The Run Chase ...

Rahmanullah Gurbaz expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, despite not batting exactly how he wanted to. He credited his captain and coach for trusting him with significant responsibility, batting at number 3, a position he's not accustomed to but appreciated the faith shown in him. Gurbaz hopes to build on this momentum in future games. When defending their total, he assured that the team would give its best effort.

Bangladesh's bowling was impressive overall, although Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were expensive in parts of the innings despite picking up crucial wickets. Nasum Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman bowled tightly during the Powerplay and middle overs, respectively, and took important wickets to restrict Afghanistan's scoring.

Afghanistan's innings struggled initially, with regular wickets falling. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, batting out of position at number 3, provided stability with a 40-run knock. Mohammad Nabi's crucial cameo of 38 runs at a quick pace was instrumental in helping Afghanistan post over 150. Sharafuddin Ashraf also contributed with a late-innings cameo of 17 runs, adding some valuable runs to the total.

Afghanistan staged a recovery, posting a total of over 150 after being reduced to 40/4 in the 7th over.

19.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, OUT! RUN OUT! On a length around middle and off, Sharafuddin Ashraf smashes this to wide long on for a single. Noor Ahmad comes for the second willing to sacrifice for the team and ends up doing so. Noor Ahmad tried to sneak another quick single with Ashraf, but the throw from the fielder went to Sakib at the bowler's end, who then threw it to the keeper, Jaker Ali, who removed the bails, resulting in Noor Ahmad's run-out. Afghanistan's innings ends at 151/9.

19.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Back of the hand, slower one, around off. Sharafuddin Ashraf plays the slog early and ends up chipping this towards long on. Rishad Hossain runs in from the fence and throws it towards the striker's end with Sharafuddin Ashraf struggling to get back in. Jaker Ali, behind the stumps, collects this and fumbles while breaking the stumps. The on-field umpire sends this upstairs and the replay shows that the missed opportunity from Ali to break the stumps at the first go allows Ashraf to gets back inside his crease.

19.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, FOUR! Smashed away for a crisp boundary. Pitched-up around middle and off, Sharafuddin Ashraf leans back a shade and drives this beyond point for a boundary. 

19.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Back of a length around middle and off, Sharafuddin Ashraf looks to pull this but gets beaten as this stays really low.

19.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, SIX! THIS IS GIGANTIC! Full toss around middle and off, Sharafuddin Ashraf plants his back foot deep inside his crease and smashes this up and over the fence towards the long on region for a 95m six. 

19.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Noor Ahmad, On a length around middle and leg, Noor Ahmad chips this to deep mid-wicket for one.

18.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Short-pitched, around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf looks to play the upper cut but misses out.

18.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Noor Ahmad, Good length on off, Noor Ahmad rolls this to long on for one.

18.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Noor Ahmad, Back of a length around off, Noor Ahmad pushes this back to the bowler's left.

18.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Noor Ahmad, FOUR! A boundary to begin for Noor as well. On a length around off, Noor Ahmad cuts this well past the point fielder to his right for a boundary. 

18.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jaker Ali takes a good catch to send Rashid Khan back. On a length wide of off, Rashid Khan looks to get cute by just opening his bat face and guiding this past the keeper's right but this was hit close to Jaker Ali behind the stumps and Ali dives to his right and takes a good catch to send Khan back.

18.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Sharafuddin Ashraf, LEG BYE! On a length around middle and leg, Sharafuddin Ashraf swings but he does it before the ball arrives. The ball beats his bat and strikes him around his abdomen. The ball rolls towards cover and the batters take a leg bye.

17.6: Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Rashid gets off the mark with a boundary. Short and wide of off, Rashid slashes hard at it and gets an inside edge that bounces just behind the stumps and lobs the keeper for a boundary behind the stumps.

17.5: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed has the last laugh but not before Mohammad Nabi played his part. Slower one, around middle and off, Mohammad Nabi swings a shade early, gets it spooned just outside the circle in the straight 'V' on the on-side. Rishad Hossain runs in from the fans and takes a good catch. 

17.4: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Third biggie of the over already and this is the biggest of them all. Back of a length around middle and leg, Mohammad Nabi gets a shade inside the line of it and just flicks this for a biggie towards the deep square leg region.

17.3: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length around off, Mohammad Nabi dabs this out on off.

17.2: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! AND MORE! Low full toss arond middle and off, Mohammad Nabi stands still, deep in his crease and slogs this right out of the middle of his bat for a huge six over the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region this time. 

17.1: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! High and handsome for a huge six. A touch too full, wide of off, Mohammad Nabi moves a shade to his leg and nails the lofted drive, up an dover the fence towards deep cover for a biggie.

16.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Nabi, Short-pitched, around off, Mohammad Nabi pulls this flat to deep square for one.

16.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Just a tickle from Mr. President of the Afghan team and the ball has raced to the fence for four. Good length on the pads, Mohammad Nabi tucks this fine to the right of short fine leg for four runs. 

16.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Good length around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf hits this away for just one.

16.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Back of a length around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf rocks back and smashes this through cover for a couple here.

16.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Cutter, going across the batter. Sharafuddin Ashraf looks to run this through point but gets beaten.

16.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Nabi, On a length around middle and leg, Mohammad Nabi clips this to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

15.6: Nasum Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Darted on off, Mohammad Nabi punches this through cover and takes one.

15.5: Nasum Ahmed to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Quicker one around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf dabs this to short third for a quick single. 

15.4: Nasum Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller on off, Mohammad Nabi punches this though cover for a single. 

15.3: Nasum Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Short and wide outside off, Mohammad Nabi cuts this towards deep point's left for two.

15.2: Nasum Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker one around off, Mohammad Nabi keeps it out as well. 

15.1: Nasum Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Floated around off, Mohammad Nabi defends this one.

14.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Back of a length delivery, around off. Ashraf lets it go.

Sharafuddin Ashraf comes in at number 8.

14.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! CAUGHT! Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the last laugh! Another slower delivery, on a length, just outside off. Gurbaz is early into the cut shot, gets the outside edge, and spoons it toward the backward point region, where Rishad Hossain takes the catch. Afghanistan slide further.

14.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower bumper, angled into the middle. Gurbaz is through the pull shot early and misses it completely.

14.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! THAT'S GONE ALL THE WAY! Slower, short of a good length delivery, around off. Gurbaz makes room and hammers it over the long-off boundary for a powerful hit.

14.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length delivery again, outside off. Nabi slaps it toward backward point and a half stop from the fielder keeps it to one.

14.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length delivery, outside off. Nabi looks to cut but misses.

13.6: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter on the leg. Nabi works it through backward square leg for a single.

13.5: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUTSTANDING EFFORT! Flighted full, outside off. Gurbaz drags it from around off and slog-sweeps it uppishly to the deep backward square leg region. Emon near the ropes, makes a terrific effort to take the diving grab and then throw it back into play as he loses his balance and was going to hit the boundary cushion. Saves five runs.

13.4: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter googly, on the middle. Gurbaz makes room and cuts it toward the deep extra cover region for a quick couple.

13.3: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter on off. Nabi tucks it toward the wide long-on region and settles for one.

13.2: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! MAMMOTH! Floated full, on off. Nabi sits low and smokes it over the bowler for a straight colossal hit.

13.1: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter googly, on the leg. Gurbaz nudges it toward mid-wicket and takes one.

12.6: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Sharp short ball, around off. Nabi ducks under it and lets it go.

12.5: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Slips in a perfect yorker in the blockhole. Nabi gets the bat down in time and keeps it out. Four dots now.

12.4: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Banged in short, just outside off. Nabi sways out of the line and lets it go.

12.3: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, Hard length delivery, on the middle. Nabi defends it to short mid-wicket.

12.2: Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, IN THE AIR BUT LANDS SAFE! Short of a good length, on off. Nabi looks to block, gets a leading edge in front of the short cover fielder. Nurul Hasan nearly takes a diving catch.

12.1: Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length delivery, around off. Gurbaz cuts it uppishly toward wide mid-off for a single.

11.6: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter leggie, around off. Nabi knocks into the off-side.

11.5: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, LEG BYE! Googly, on the pad. Gurbaz helps it toward short fine leg, off his pad, and they take a leg bye.

11.4: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter now, around off. Gurbaz punches it toward extra cover where Nurul Hasan makes a fine stop. 

11.3: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flighted full, around off. Driven to the man at short extra cover.

11.2: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Floated googly, on off. Nabi prods and gets it off the inner half toward mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi comes to the crease at number 7.

11.1: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! TAKEN! RISHAD HOSSAIN GETS HIS SECOND! Tossed up full, just outside off. Omarzai looks to take on the bowler but fails to get the height or the distance. Goes straight to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who is not going to miss out on this one. Afghanistan have lost half of their side now.

10.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a length, on off. Omarzai makes room and steers it through point for a single.

10.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower length ball, on the leg pole. Gurbaz backs away and tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

10.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! EDGED AWAY! On a length, angling across the batter. Gurbaz moves across and guides it past the keeper, runs down to the deep third region for a cheeky boundary.

10.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, on off. Omarzai dabs it down to deep third for one.

10.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Slower length ball, on the middle and leg. Omarzai knocks it to the right of the bowler.

10.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length on the hip. Gurbaz tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS! Bangladesh have made a solid start in the first half of the innings, taking four wickets and controlling the scoring rate. Afghanistan will hope for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai to stitch a solid stand and take the score past 150.

9.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nearly! Slower length ball, on off. Omarzai chips it to the bowler, who comes forward and nearly takes a return catch.

9.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, around off. Omarzai dabs it toward the backward point, and they call for one. An overthrow in the outfield results in the second run.

9.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! SHOT OF THE DAY! Back of a length delivery, outside off. Omarzai makes room and slaps it over the deep extra cover region, goes sailing over the ropes for a mighty six.

9.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, Slower length ball, just outside off. Omarzai knocks it to the short cover fielder.

9.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short of a good length, on off. Omarzai stabs it to backward point.

9.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length delivery, just outside off. Omarzai rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

8.6: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker wrong'un, at the stumps. Gurbaz defends from the crease.

8.5: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flatter on off. Omarzai knocks it to long-on for one.

8.4: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Floated full, outside off. Omarzai comes forward and lofts it inside out toward the deep extra cover region for a glorious boundary.

8.3: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Floated full, on off. Omarzai prods and pushes it to point.

8.2: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tosses it on a length, around off. Gurbaz drives it to deep cover point for one.

8.1: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! TONKED! Floated full, in the slot. Gurbaz clears the front leg and thumps it over long-on for half a dozen.

7.6: Nasum Ahmed to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flatter arm ball, on the middle. Omarzai knocks it back to the bowler.

7.5: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flat and outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.

7.4: Nasum Ahmed to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flighted on off. Omarzai makes room and pushes it through covers for a single.

7.3: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tad short and outside off. Gurbaz cuts it to deep cover point for one.

7.2: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and quicker on off. Gurbaz bunts it back to the bowler.

7.1: Nasum Ahmed to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up full, just outside off. Omarzai pushes it uppishly through the cover point region for one.

6.6: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flatter leggie, around off. Omarzai knocks it through covers for one.

6.5: Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up on off. Pushed to the cover fielder.

Azmatullah Omarzai comes in at number 6.

6.4: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Ishaq, OUT! ISHAQ FINDS THE FIELDER! Tosses it full, just outside off. Ishaq gets low and sweeps it uppishly toward the deep square leg region. Shamim Hossain there, takes a safe catch and Ishaq departs for just one. Afghanistan are four down.

6.3: Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Ishaq, Floated full, around off. Ishaq pushes it to the cover fielder.

6.2: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on off. Gurbaz drops into the off-side and takes one.

6.1: Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! BANG! Floated full, in the slot. Gurbaz makes room and tonks it over the long-off fence for a massive hit.

Rishad Hossain comes into the attack. 

5.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower length ball on the pad. Gurbaz tucks it round the corner for a single.

5.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a length delivery, angling across the batter. Gurbaz sways out of the line and lets it go.

5.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Ishaq, On a length, on off. Ishaq turns it off the inner half toward the square leg region and they take the single.

5.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Ishaq, Another mix-up almost results in a wicket. Slower length ball, on off. Ishaq knocks it toward the short cover fielder. The batter tries to sneak a run, but Gurbaz is sent back. He puts the dive, and that saves him. The third umpire has a look and confirms that the batter is well in.  

Mohammad Ishaq walks in at number 5.

5.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! RUN-OUT! A huge mix-up and Afghanistan lose another! Skiddy length ball, around off. Gurbaz knocks it to the left of the bowler and looks to sneak a run. Rahman runs around and throws it to the keeper's end. Rasooli wasn't keen on the run but ended up sacrificing his wicket. Afghanistan are three down in the powerplay.

5.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lands it on a length, and around off. Gurbaz drives it on the up toward the cover fielder.

4.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Darwish Rasooli, On a hard length, around off. Rasooli punches it to the man at mid-off. A successful over for Bangladesh.

4.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Darwish Rasooli, Short of a good length, around off. Rasooli knocks it to the cover region.

Darwish Rasooli is in at number 4.

4.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! GONE! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Tanzim Hasan Sakib strikes! Fuller than a good length, on the middle and leg. Atal looks to flick it through the leg side but gets the leading edge that flies to the cover point region. Emon circles under it and takes a sharp catch. Afghanistan are two down.

4.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower length ball, on off. Gurbaz shimmies down and knocks it to mid-off for one.

4.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length delivery, around off. Gurbaz rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

4.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Tanzim Hasan Sakib is greeted in style! Fuller than a length, around off. Gurbaz charges down and drills it through extra cover and mid-off for a cracking boundary.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib comes into the attack.

3.6: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated full, on off. Gurbaz eases it to long-off for a single.

3.5: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on off. Gurbaz presses forward in defence.

3.4: Nasum Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and outside off. Gurbaz cuts it hard but finds the man at point. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks in at number 3.

3.3: Nasum Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! BOWLED'EM! NASUM AHMED DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Flatter arm ball, angled into the middle and leg. Zadran looks to hack it across the line but misses, and the ball goes crashing into the stumps. An early wicket for Bangladesh as Ibrahim Zadran departs for 15.

3.2: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted full, around off. Atal shimmies down and chips it over the infield, toward the long-off region. Tanzim Hasan Sakib makes a fine effort, stops the ball just inside, and saves a run.

3.1: Nasum Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on the full, on middle. Zadran makes room and drives to long-off for one.

2.6: Taskin Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Back of a length delivery, around off. Atal mistimes the pull shot to the man at mid-wicket.

2.5: Taskin Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a good length, on off. Atal stays back and dabs this to point region. Three dots in a row now.

2.4: Taskin Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Slower length ball, around off. Atal comes forward and taps into the off-side.

2.3: Taskin Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller than a length, outside off. Atal mistimes the drive to the cover point fielder.

2.2: Taskin Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Half volley outside off. Atal gets a good stride forward and times it through covers for an elegant boundary.

2.1: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length delivery on the middle. Zadran tucks it toward mid-wicket and takes one.

1.6: Nasum Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated full, on off. Zadran pushes it to long-off for one.

1.5: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, On a length, on off. Atal tucks it toward square leg and takes one.

1.4: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Floated full, on off. Atal comes down and drills it back to the bowler.

1.3: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter again, on the middle and leg. Atal advances and works it toward the wide long-on region for a couple.

1.2: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter in length, on off. Atal comes down and knocks it toward mid-off.

1.1: Nasum Ahmed to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up full, on off. Atal prods and defends into covers.

Nasum Ahmed will share the attack.

0.6: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR MORE! PUNISHED! On a length and strays down the leg. Zadran helps this to fine leg for an easy boundary. 12 runs off the opening over.

0.5: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! STAND AND DELIVER! Fuller than a good length, around off. Zadran comes forward and times it through the cover region for a second boundary in the over.

0.4: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a good length, around off. Zadran knocks it toward cover point.

0.3: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitched full, around off. Ibrahim Zadran strokes it to the short cover fielder.

0.2: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Afghanistan are away in style! Fuller than a good length and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran goes for the drive and gets it past the backward point fielder for a cracking boundary to open his account.

0.1: Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Taskin Ahmed starts with a short of a good length delivery, around off. Ibrahim Zadran looks to punch through covers, ends up coming off the inner half, back to the bowler.

All set to begin! The two sides stride out in the middle and line up for their respective national anthem. It will be Bangladesh's first, followed by the national anthem of Afghanistan. We are now done with the pre-match formalities. Bangladesh fielders now take their respective field positions. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal will open up for Afghanistan. Taskin Ahmed has the new ball in hand. Let's go...

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Ishaq, Fareed Ahmad.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Jaker Ali (C)(WK), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Nurul Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and will BAT first.