Bangladesh Restrict Afghanistan to 147 in Sharjah Showdown

Afghanistan finished their first innings on 147 for five in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, setting Bangladesh a target of 148 to clinch both the match and the series.

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. Nasum Ahmed delivered a brilliant spell, taking two wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs. Rishad Hossain also claimed two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 45 runs. Shoriful Islam, returning to the side, stunned Afghanistan with an economical four-over spell that yielded one wicket for only 13 runs. Mustafizur Rahman struggled, giving away 40 runs without success.

For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with 38 runs from 37 balls. In the closing overs, Mohammad Nabi’s unbeaten 20 off 12 balls and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 19 not out from 17 deliveries added 29 runs, pushing the total close to 150.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin came into the playing eleven, replacing Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.