When Bangladesh cricket team thrashed the Afghanistan cricket team by four wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on , it set the tone for a clean‑sweep in the three‑match T20 series. The win was part of the Etisalat Cup Afghanistan vs Bangladesh White‑Ball SeriesUnited Arab Emirates, a short‑handed tour designed to give both sides sharp‑edge ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Series Overview
Over ten days the two sides crammed six matches into two venues – Sharjah and the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The T20 leg ran from 2 to 5 October, followed by three ODIs from 8 to 14 October. While Bangladesh dominated the shortest format, Afghanistan turned the tables in the fifty‑over game, winning the first two ODIs and leaving the final showdown on a knife‑edge.
- Bangladesh won the T20 series 3‑0.
- Afghanistan led the ODI series 2‑0 with one match pending.
- Rashid Khan recorded his 200th ODI wicket during the first ODI.
- Rahmat Shah crossed 5,000 international runs.
- The tour serves as prep for Afghanistan’s 2027 World Cup bid and Bangladesh’s home series vs India.
T20 Triumph for Bangladesh
The opening match saw Afghanistan post 151/9 after a tense final over. Bangladesh’s chase, anchored by a quick‑fire 60 from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, sliced through the target in 18.4 overs. A crucial partnership between Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das steadied the innings after early wickets.
The second T20 was a nail‑biter. Afghanistan struggled at 147/5, but Bangladesh’s lower order, led by Shakib Al Hasan, scraped home with two wickets in hand. The final game on 5 October turned into a showcase of Bangladesh’s depth; a disciplined bowling spell by Afif Hossain restricted the Afghans to 143, and a brisk chase of 144/4 sealed the sweep.
"We wanted to start the tour with momentum," said Bangladesh captain Nasum Ahmed post‑match. "The conditions in Sharjah are a bit slower, but our spin unit adapted quickly. The crowd’s energy helped us close each game."
ODI Comeback by Afghanistan
Switching to the 50‑over format, Afghanistan lifted the gloom with a five‑wicket win in the first ODI on 8 October. Chasing 222, they eased to the target with 226/5, thanks to a steady 45 from Hashmatullah Shahidi and late fireworks from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Rashid Khan’s spell of 3/38 also earned him his much‑talked‑about 200th ODI wicket, a milestone he reached with a clean‑bowled dismissal of Bangladesh’s top‑order batsman.
The second ODI, held on 11 October, was a different story. Afghanistan posted 190, bowled out Bangladesh for a meagre 109 in 28.3 overs – an 81‑run defeat that widened the series lead. Ibrahim Zadran shone with a patient 95 off 111 balls, while Rashid Khan rattled the Bangladeshi batting line‑up with a lethal 5/17 in just 8.3 overs. Rahmat Shah, who crossed 5,000 international runs during this match, added a quick 50 off 70 balls before being dismissed.
"Our bowlers executed the plans perfectly," said Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Hamid Fazal. "Rashid’s spell and Zadran’s consistency show we’re ready for the World Cup build‑up."
The third ODI, scheduled for 14 October, promises drama. Afghanistan elected to bat first, posting a towering 293/9. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be desperate for a consolation win to end the tour on a high note.
Key Performances and Milestones
Beyond the win‑loss column, the tour delivered several personal milestones:
- Rashid Khan – 200th ODI wicket (3/38) and a five‑for (5/17) in the second ODI.
- Ibrahim Zadran – two back‑to‑back 95‑run innings in ODIs.
- Rahmat Shah – crossed 4,000 ODI runs in the first ODI and 5,000 international runs in the second.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 60 runs and 3/42 across the two formats.
- Saif Hassan – made his ODI debut for Bangladesh and claimed 3/6 in the third ODI.
Debutant Bashir Ahmad also featured for Afghanistan in the first ODI, though he was later dropped for the final game.
Implications Ahead of Future Tournaments
The series acted as a litmus test for both sides. Bangladesh’s dominant T20 display suggests they’ll be a force in the upcoming 2025 ICC T20 World Cup, especially with their spin trio in prime form. However, the ODI defeats highlight a need to tighten middle‑order batting against quality pace and spin.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, showed resilience. Their ODI surge, led by seasoned campaigners and a vibrant pace attack, sends a clear message to fellow 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The ability to bounce back after a white‑ball drubbing will be crucial when they face higher‑ranked sides later this year.
Both teams will also be watching each other's squad rotations. Afghanistan’s decision to replace fast bowler Bilal Khan with the all‑rounder Ikram Malik for the third ODI hints at a strategy focused on depth rather than outright pace.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Bangladesh heads home to host India in a high‑profile series slated for November 2025. The lessons learned in Sharjah – especially handling spin under pressure – will be front‑burner topics in pre‑series camps.
Afghanistan returns to the UAE for a triangular series in January 2026 before embarking on a European tour. The remaining ODI of this tour, if Bangladesh manages a win, could bring the series level and provide a morale boost before their home games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the T20 series sweep impact Bangladesh’s World Cup prospects?
The clean 3‑0 win demonstrates Bangladesh’s depth in spin and middle‑order batting, two pillars for success at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Their ability to chase under pressure, highlighted by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 60, gives them confidence against stronger opposition.
Which Afghanistan players are key for the 2027 ODI World Cup build‑up?
Rashid Khan’s wicket‑taking prowess (200th ODI wicket) and Ibrahim Zadran’s consistency—two back‑to‑back 95‑run innings—are pivotal. Rahmat Shah, now past 5,000 international runs, adds experience, while emerging bowler Ikram Malik offers versatility.
What were the decisive moments in the first ODI?
Rashid Khan’s breakthrough wicket of Bangladesh’s top‑order opener set the tone, and a steady chase led by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 45 ensured Afghanistan reached 226/5, clinching a five‑wicket win.
Why did Afghanistan lose the T20 series despite strong individual performances?
Afghanistan’s batting faltered in the death overs, and Bangladesh’s spin trio restricted run‑scoring in the middle overs. Even with Zadran’s 95 in the second ODI, the team couldn’t post or chase totals high enough to win.
What’s the schedule for the concluding ODI on 14 October?
The final ODI starts at 4:00 PM local time at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan will bat first, having posted 293/9, leaving Bangladesh a target of 294 runs to chase.
