Bangladesh clinched a clean‑sweep of Afghanistan in a three‑match T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 5‑6, 2025, sealing the final win with six wickets in hand. Jaker Ali, captain of the Bangladesh side, lifted the series trophy amid chants from a jubilant crowd, while the match‑winning 64‑run unbeaten knock came from opener Saif Hassan. Afghanistan’s total of 143/9, set by a late surge from Mujeeb Ur Rahman, proved insufficient against a disciplined Bangladeshi attack led by Mohammad Saifuddin, who took three for 15.

Series Overview

The three‑match showdown was officially billed as the Etisalat Cup Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series. Bangladesh won the toss in the first game and chose to field, a decision that set the tone for the rest of the tour. After dropping the opening match, the side rebounded spectacularly, taking the second game by five wickets and then cruising to a six‑wicket victory in the decider. The final scoreboard read 144/4 in 18 overs, with the chase completed with two overs to spare.

Match Highlights

Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 32 runs at the top of the order, while fellow opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 28. A quickfire 23 off 18 balls from Mujeeb Ur Rahman pushed the total just beyond the 140‑run mark.

  • Afghanistan: 143/9 in 20 overs
  • Bangladesh chase: 144/4 in 18 overs
  • Top scorer: Saif Hassan – 64* (38 balls)
  • Best bowler: Mohammad Saifuddin – 3/15 (3 overs)
  • Key partnership: Tanzid Hasan & Saif Hassan – 109 runs

Bangladesh’s opening partnership of 109 runs, built by Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan, steadied the chase and allowed the middle order to finish the job with ease. After Saifuddin’s early breakthroughs, the pressure shifted, and the partnership’s steady flow of boundaries ensured the target was reached with 12 balls remaining.

Key Performances

Saif Hassan’s strike rate of 168.4 was the standout batting figure, and his six‑run boundary in the final over brought the series home. Mohammad Saifuddin’s economy of 5.00, combined with his wicket‑taking ability, earned him the Player of the Match award. On the Afghan side, Mujeeb’s two wickets in the second innings were a consolation, but the team’s overall batting collapse in the final game highlighted a need for greater depth.

Team Changes and Injuries

Both sides tweaked their line‑ups ahead of the third T20I. Afghanistan introduced left‑arm seamer Bashir Ahmad, who replaced Noor Ahmad. Bangladesh, meanwhile, brought in fast‑bowling prospect Tanzid Hasan (some reports listed him as Sahbaz) to take the place of the injury‑prone Mustafizur Rahman. Veteran Litton Das missed the series with a side‑strain injury, prompting Jaker Ali to rely heavily on the young batting core.

Soumya Sarkar re‑joined the squad after a brief hiatus, adding flexibility to the middle order, while Afghanistan left out several experienced players—including Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat—in an effort to revamp the white‑ball unit.

Implications and Upcoming ODI Series

The 3‑0 sweep revitalised Bangladesh after a disappointing Asia Cup showing earlier this year. Jaker Ali summed up the mood in his post‑match interview: “The boys bounced back after the Asia Cup. Our fielding, bowling and batting all clicked together. We need to keep this belief and confidence moving forward.”

Afghanistan now faces a stark reality: their T20I form will have to improve quickly before the three‑match ODI series kicks off on October 8, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The ODI leg will run through October 14, and both boards have hinted that the outcomes could influence squad selections for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Sharjah’s Cricketing Legacy

Sharjah Cricket Stadium has long been a temple of limited‑overs cricket, hosting over 200 One‑Day Internationals and countless T20 clashes since the early 1980s. Its intimate atmosphere—often described as “one of the greatest going around the cricketing world”—gives players a palpable sense of history, something that Bangladesh seemed to savor as they lifted the Etisalat Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bangladesh’s series win affect their World Cup qualifying chances?

The clean‑sweep boosts Bangladesh’s net run rate and confidence ahead of the ICC World Cup qualifying tournament later this year. Analysts say the momentum could translate into stronger performances in the upcoming ODI series, which serves as a final tune‑up before qualifiers.

What were the main reasons for Afghanistan’s defeat in the series?

Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships beyond the top order, and their bowlers could not consistently contain Bangladesh’s aggressive opening pair. The replacement of experienced bowlers with newcomers also tipped the balance in Bangladesh’s favor.

Who were the standout players for Bangladesh in the T20I series?

Saif Hassan’s unbeaten 64 in the final match earned him series‑best batsman honors, while Mohammad Saifuddin’s 3/15 made him the top bowler. Captain Jaker Ali’s leadership and tactical decisions were also highlighted as key factors.

When and where will the next ODI series between the two teams be played?

The three‑match ODI series starts on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the second and third games slated for October 11 and October 14, respectively, both at the same venue.

What historical significance does Sharjah Cricket Stadium hold for T20 cricket?

Since the early 2000s, Sharjah has been a favored stop for T20 tours due to its neutral location and enthusiastic crowds. The venue has witnessed landmark matches, including the first ever T20 International, and continues to be a launchpad for emerging cricket nations.