Cricket has this funny way of turning certainty into chaos within minutes. Watching the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I 2025 opener in Sharjah felt exactly like that. Bangladesh were cruising at 109/0, their openers looking untouchable, and I almost switched off the live stream thinking it was a done deal. Then came Rashid Khan. With the flick of his wrist and that sharp turn, he brought Afghanistan roaring back, and for a while, it felt like Sharjah might witness one of those unforgettable comebacks.
But cricket, as always, writes its own script. And this time, Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain held their nerves to make sure Bangladesh walked away with a thrilling 4-wicket win.
Afghanistan’s Fighting 151 in Sharjah: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I 2025
Afghanistan didn’t have the easiest evening with the bat. Ibrahim Zadran gave them a bright start with three crisp boundaries in the opening over, but the momentum slipped quickly. By the end of the powerplay, they were stuttering at 33/3, thanks to sharp fielding and a run-out that left Darwish Rasooli shaking his head.
Still, the ever-reliable Rahmanullah Gurbaz looked solid, holding things together with a composed 40. When he fell with just over five overs left, Afghanistan were in danger of folding early. That’s when Mohammad Nabi reminded everyone of his experience, smashing three sixes in the 18th over to lift the spirits. Add a quick cameo from Sharafuddin Ashraf, and suddenly Afghanistan had 151/9 on the board. Not a huge score in Sharjah, but as the game proved, it was enough to cause panic.
Bangladesh’s Dream Start and Sudden Collapse
Chasing 152, Bangladesh began cautiously with only 14 runs in the first three overs. But once the openers, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon, found their rhythm, Afghanistan’s bowlers were under fire. Both players cleared the ropes with ease, raising fifties and bringing up a century stand that made the target look like a walk in the park.
At 95/0 after 10 overs, even the commentators were calling it “a foregone conclusion.” And then cricket did what cricket does best it twisted the script.
Fareed Ahmad broke the stand, and then Rashid Khan took over with his magic. His spell of 4/18 tore through the Bangladesh middle order. In just a few overs, the scoreboard read 118/6. From a position of dominance, Bangladesh were suddenly staring at defeat. I remember thinking, This is peak Rashid snatching hope out of thin air.
Nurul and Rishad Seal the Win: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I 2025
But matches aren’t won on magic alone; they’re sealed by nerve. That’s exactly what Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain showed in those tense final overs. They played smartly, mixing singles with timely boundaries. When the equation came down to 16 off 12 balls, the tension was real.
Then came the moment: Nurul launched back-to-back sixes that silenced Afghan fans and lifted Bangladesh to 153/6 in just 18.4 overs. Victory by 4 wickets, but the scorecard doesn’t tell you the rollercoaster behind it.
Key Takeaways from the 1st T20I
- Bangladesh’s openers (Tanzid Hasan 51 & Parvez Emon 54) showed the value of partnerships in a chase.
- Rashid Khan’s four-fer (4/18) reminded us why he’s a match-winner in any format.
- The collapse from 109/0 to 118/6 was proof that no game is over until it’s truly over.
- Nurul Hasan’s finishing ability gives Bangladesh depth and calm under pressure.
This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, and if the opener was this dramatic, the next two games promise even more action.
Conclusion: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I 2025
The Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I 2025 opener had everything fireworks, collapses, spin magic, and a nerve-wracking finish. Bangladesh may have won by 4 wickets, but Afghanistan, led by Rashid’s brilliance, made sure it wasn’t easy.
What do you think was this Rashid’s best T20I spell in recent times? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to pass this on to a fellow cricket fan who loves a good thriller.
Also Read:
IND vs WI 1st Test 2025: Shubman Gill Leads India’s New Era at Home
Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh Beat Afghanistan by 8 Runs
FAQs
Bangladesh won the 1st T20I in Sharjah by 4 wickets, chasing down 152 in 18.4 overs despite Rashid Khan’s brilliant spell of 4/18.
Rashid Khan was the standout with 4 wickets for 18 runs, but Bangladesh’s openers Parvez Hossain Emon (54) and Tanzid Hasan Tamim (51) played match-winning roles before Nurul Hasan finished the chase.
