Bangladesh Beats Afghanistan in Sharjah T20I, clinches 2‑0 lead

When Afghanistan national cricket team walked onto the field at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 9, 2025, the air was thick with anticipation for the second Twenty20 International of the three‑match series against the Bangladesh national cricket team. Bangladesh, fresh off a first‑match win, won the toss and elected to bowl first – a decision that echoed a pre‑match forecast from Cricket Times. The stakes were simple: a 2‑0 lead would seal the series and boost both sides’ ICC T20 rankings ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Background and stakes

Both sides entered the UAE tour with contrasting narratives. Afghanistan, a full ICC member since 2017, have been building depth after clinching a spot in the 2023 World Cup. Their captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, has been praised for steadying a still‑young side. Bangladesh, a member since 2000, have used the series as a rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has emphasized aggressive batting and spin‑friendly tactics.

Sharjah’s October evenings typically flirt with 35 °C and 65 % humidity, conditions that favor spin bowlers as the ball slows down under the lights. Historically, the venue has seen second‑batting sides win about 65 % of T20Is between 2020‑2025, a statistic that fed into the toss‑strategy discussion.

Match preview and predictions

Cricket Times’ October 9 prediction pegged Afghanistan’s power‑play at 45‑55 runs, with a total between 160‑170. The forecast also noted Bangladesh’s bowling strength, especially the spin trio led by veteran Rashid Khan. Rashid, who entered the series as the leading wicket‑taker with six wickets, was expected to bowl a tight spell of 4‑18, an economy of just 4.50 runs per over. On the batting side, the Bangladesh lineup featured a hot‑handed Tanzid Hasan, the series’ top scorer with 86 runs, and the in‑form Saif Hassan, who had already posted a 64‑run knock.

Odds makers gave Bangladesh a 58 % win probability, citing the toss advantage and Sharjah’s spin‑friendly surface. A thread on Bitcoin Talk from October 4 even echoed the toss outcome, confirming Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first.

Key performances and turning points

Afghanistan got off to a decent start, reaching 55/2 in the first six overs, thanks to solid early runs from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. However, Rashid Khan’s spell turned the tide. He clipped two wickets in the seventh over, bringing the run rate down to a manageable 6.5 per over. By the 14th over, Afghanistan were 120/5, still within reach of a 150‑run target.

Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by Tanzid Hasan’s composed 45 off 30 balls. He partnered with Saif Hassan, who added a quickfire 30‑run cameo. The partnership nudged Bangladesh past the 120‑run mark with three wickets in hand. A late surge from Mohammad Saifuddin, who smashed 20 runs in the final two overs, sealed a 2‑wicket win with 19.1 overs to spare.

The final scoreline read Afghanistan 147/5, Bangladesh 150/8 – a narrow margin that underlined the predictive accuracy of the pre‑match analysis.

Implications for rankings and upcoming fixtures

The 2‑0 lead not only handed Bangladesh a series whitewash but also nudged them up three spots in the ICC T20I Championship, bringing them closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Afghanistan, meanwhile, slipped two places, a setback that the board hopes to rectify in the ensuing One‑Day International (ODI) series.

Both boards have already hinted at squad rotations for the ODIs in Abu Dhabi. The first ODI on October 10 saw Afghanistan bounce back with a five‑wicket win, suggesting they may regroup quickly. Still, the T20I results will influence selection debates, especially around Afghanistan’s middle order, which struggled to finish the chase.

Financial and broader impact

The series contributed significantly to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) revenue stream. The BCB reported an estimated BDT 1.2 billion (≈ USD 10.9 million) from ticket sales, broadcast rights, and sponsorships tied to the UAE tour. For Afghanistan, ICC development funding makes up 78 % of its USD 28.5 million budget, highlighting how crucial such high‑profile series are for the nation’s cricketing ecosystem.

Beyond the balance sheets, the matches offered a morale boost for fans back home. In Kabul, streets filled with radio commentary as the team battled in Sharjah, while Bangladeshi viewers celebrated the win with impromptu street parties in Dhaka’s Mirpur district.

What’s next?

After completing the T20I sweep on October 10, the two sides shift focus to a three‑match ODI series starting October 10 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. Analysts expect Afghanistan to leverage the momentum from their ODI win, while Bangladesh will likely field its strongest lineup to cement its dominance before the World Cup qualifiers.

For now, the Sharjah victory stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s strategic acumen and the fine margins that define T20 cricket.