Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh shock Afghanistan by eight runs to stay alive
Mustafizur leads attack with game-changing three-wicket haul
ABU DHABI – Bangladesh secured a dramatic eight-run win over Afghanistan on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, keeping their Super Four hopes alive in Asia Cup 2025.
The Tigers had to battle hard – both with bat and ball – to overhaul Afghanistan’s challenge. Meanwhile, despite dominating much of the chase, the Afghan side could not close out the match.
Bangladesh get over the line! ✌️
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 16, 2025
It went down to the wire but ???????? channeled their Tiger spirit to fight until the end, picking up a win and staying alive in the tournament.#BANvAFG #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/eNNBUO9B0i
Afghanistan posted a competitive target, and looked in command early during their chase. Rashid Khan, however, broke a major milestone by becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20I Asia Cup history, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bangladesh’s bowlers responded bravely when it mattered: Mustafizur Rahman claimed figures of 3/28, while Nasum Ahmed (2/11), Rishad Hossain (2/18) and Taskin Ahmed (2/34) each picked up crucial wickets. The match swung in Bangladesh’s favour in the latter overs as Afghanistan lost momentum.
On the Afghan side, despite Rashid’s record and earlier strong performances, the batting failed to finish. Bangladesh put themselves in trouble in previous matches – especially against Sri Lanka – but this time mounted a defence built on disciplined spin and tight death overs.
Litton Das and Shamim Hossain had earlier shown flashes with the bat in other games, but this win was crafted more by the bowlers.
Asia Cup: Points table
With this victory, Bangladesh leapfrogs into second place in Group B with 4 points from 3 matches, though their net run rate remains negative, at approximately −0.270.
Afghanistan, on 2 points and with one match remaining, still have a chance – but need a strong final showing to overcome their lower position.
Sri Lanka lead the group with 4 points and a net run rate around +1.546.