Abu Dhabi, September 17 (HS): Bangladesh held their nerve to secure a narrow eight-run win over Afghanistan in a tense Asia Cup 2025 group clash, keeping their Super Four qualification hopes alive.

Coming off a six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh produced a spirited all-round display to stay afloat in the tournament. After being restricted to 154 for five, the Tigers bounced back with a disciplined bowling effort, dismissing Afghanistan for 146 in 20 overs.

Opener Tanzid Hasan provided the early spark with a brisk 31-ball 52, supported by Saif Hassan’s 30 in a 63-run stand. But Afghanistan’s spin duo of Rashid Khan (2/26) and Noor Ahmad (2/23) tightened the screws in the middle overs to stall Bangladesh’s progress.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a faltering start as Nasum Ahmed (2/11) and Rishad Hossain (2/18) made vital early breakthroughs. Despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s resilience and a late blitz from Azmatullah Omarzai (30 off 16), the momentum faltered once Omarzai fell in the 16th over. Mustafizur Rahman (3/28) sealed the deal by striking twice in the penultimate over.

Bangladesh’s sharp fielding and dominance in both powerplays proved decisive as they restricted Afghanistan to just 27 for two at the start, ensuring the pressure never really lifted.

With this victory, Group B remains wide open as both Bangladesh and Afghanistan bid for a place in the Super Fours.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar