Bangladesh completed a commanding T20I series with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third and final game in Sharjah. The victory was anchored by a collective bowling performance and a good unbeaten half-century from Saif Hassan, as the visitors completed a 3-0 series sweep, only the fourth in their T20I history.
Bangladesh started the third T20I with a 2-0 lead, hoping to complete a clean sweep. Afghanistan’s decision to bat first after losing the toss resulted in early difficulty. Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed took three wickets in the powerplay.
Mohammad Saifuddin then dismissed Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, and Darwish Rasooli, finishing on 3 for 15. Despite a late fight by Rasooli (32) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (23*), Afghanistan could only manage 143 for 9 in their 20 overs. Rasooli and Mujeeb’s 34-run stand for the ninth wicket earned them a decent finish.
In response, Bangladesh started brightly despite losing Parvez Hossain (14). Tanzid Hasan (33) and Saif Hassan stabilised the innings with a 55-run partnership.
Saif, who has been in good form throughout the series, hit a 38-ball 64* with two fours and seven sixes.
Afghanistan briefly recovered when Mujeeb Ur Rahman took two wickets in one over, including Shamim Hossain for a golden duck, and Rashid Khan bowled a maiden to put pressure. But Saif recovered superbly, smashing Bashir Ahmad and Abdollah Ahmadzai for sixes to reach fifty and finish the game. Nurul Hasan (10*) hit the winning runs with a six, ensuring Bangladesh finished the chase with 12 balls remaining.
India
