Published : 06 Oct 2025, 06:56 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:53 PM
Bangladesh wrapped up a 3-0 clean sweep of Afghanistan with a commanding six-wicket win in the third and final T20, as Saif Hassan’s swashbuckling 64* powered another successful chase after Saifuddin’s miserly 3 for 15.
The victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, following an identical chasing template in all three matches, was built on disciplined bowling and controlled aggression with the bat.
Afghanistan struggled after being asked to bat, posting a subpar 143 for 9 in their 20 overs as Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib bagged an identical 2-24 each to restrict their opponents.
The Afghan top order faltered, clipped to 39 for 3 in the powerplay, and it wasn’t until a late surge from Darwish Rasooli (29) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (14*) that Afghanistan could add some respectability to the score.
In response, Bangladesh’s chase started swiftly with Tanzid Hasan, who struck a run-a-ball 33. But it was Saif’s brilliance that set the tone for the chase.
He hammered seven sixes and two fours in his 38-ball knock, including a remarkable 95m slog sweep to bring up his fourth T20I fifty.
Despite a wobble in the middle overs, including the loss of captain Jaker Ali (10) and Shamim Hossain (0), Saif's steady hand ensured the target was within reach.
The 26-year-old continued the assault, hitting two sixes off debutant Bashir Ahmad (0-38) to regain control. With 35 runs required from 38 balls, Saif played sensibly, even taking the extra time to see off a maiden over from Rashid Khan.
With Bangladesh 15 runs adrift, he struck a six off Ahmadzai, before Nurul Hasan (10*) hit the winning runs -- a six to finish the match with two overs to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers kept a leash on Afghanistan batters.
Shoriful Islam (1-33) removed Ibrahim Zadran (7) early, while Shamim took a stunning catch off Nasum to send Rahmanullah Gurbaz (12) packing.
The Afghanistan middle order never recovered, as wickets fell regularly. Saifuddin kept the pressure on with tight lines and bagged key wickets to leave Afghanistan at 106 for 8 by the 15th over.
Afghanistan’s final stand was brief but defiant, with Rasooli striking a few boundaries before falling to Saifuddin. Mujeeb’s late flurry, including a couple of fours, gave Afghanistan a modicum of hope but was not enough to halt Bangladesh’s march to victory.
The teams will move to Abu Dhabi for the ODI series, with the first game set for Oct 8.
