Bangladesh secured the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a game in hand, sealing a hard-fought two-wicket victory in Sharjah on Friday, thanks to a composed innings from Nurul Hasan Sohan.

Chasing a target of 148, Bangladesh once again stumbled at the top, losing early wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon were both dismissed for just 2 runs, leaving the team struggling at 16 for 2.

Saif Hasan, one of the team’s key batters, failed to build on a promising start and departed for 18, with the scoreboard reading 24 for 3. Captain Zakir Ali Anik, who had disappointed in the previous match, played a steady hand this time, contributing 32 off 25 balls before falling to Rashid Khan.

Shamim Hossain, who failed in the series opener, redeemed himself with a brisk 32 off 22 deliveries. However, his dismissal at 102 for 5 triggered a middle-order collapse, as Nasum Ahmed (10), Saifuddin (4), and Rishad Hossain (2) departed in quick succession.

Once again, it was Nurul Hasan Sohan who anchored the chase with a calm and calculated knock, guiding Bangladesh to victory with five balls to spare. He finished unbeaten on 31 off 21 balls, steering his side to the series win.

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets, while Rashid Khan picked up 2.

Earlier, Afghanistan posted 147 for 6, with openers Sediqullah Atal (23) and Ibrahim Zadran (38) providing a solid foundation. Rahmanullah Gurbaz added quick runs, scoring 30 off 22 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai (19)* and Mohammad Nabi (20 off 12) offered valuable contributions late in the innings.

Among Bangladesh’s bowlers, Nasum Ahmed impressed with 2 for 25 from four overs, while leg-spinner Rishad Hossain also took 2 wickets. Shoriful Islam was highly economical, conceding just 13 runs in his four-over spell.

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