In-form batter Saif Hassan struck a classy 64 not out off 38 balls as Bangladesh thrashed Afghanistan by six wickets to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
Bangladesh’s bowlers set up the win with another disciplined performance, restricting Afghanistan to 143/9 in 20 overs before chasing down the target in 18 overs to secure their first-ever T20I whitewash against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh Bowlers Deliver Again
Mohammad Saifuddin (3-15), Nasum Ahmed (2-24), and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2-24) shared the spoils as Bangladesh maintained their dominance with the ball. Only Darwish Rasooli (32 off 29) offered some resistance before Afghanistan folded for a modest total.
It’s a great feeling because we know they have very good spinners. We prepared well for that — all credit to the boys. Everyone executed their job cleanly.
He also credited the team’s comeback after a poor Asia Cup campaign: “The way the boys rebounded is amazing. Our fielding especially has improved under James Pamment. The bowlers made it easier for the batters, and the batters delivered.”
Saif’s Unbeaten 64 Seals The Sweep
Chasing 144, Saif was in sublime touch, smashing seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten innings — his fourth T20I half-century. He shared a 55-run partnership with Tanzid Hasan Tamim (33 off 33) after Parvez Hossain Emon (14) fell early.
Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-26) briefly lifted hopes with two wickets in one over, dismissing Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, but Saif’s composure ensured there were no stumbles as Bangladesh cruised home with two overs to spare.
We played bad cricket, to be honest. They were outstanding with the bat, ball, and especially in the field. We dropped so many catches — and catches win matches. That’s where they were far ahead of us.
He also criticised his batters’ lack of intent: “You need a positive mindset in T20 cricket. We played too defensively. Our lower order can score quick runs, but we never gave them enough time or opportunity.”
Earlier, Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed struck early, removing openers Ibrahim Zadran (7) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) before Saifuddin’s double-wicket burst ripped through the middle order. Late cameos from Sediqullah Atal (28) and Mujeeb (23 not out) only delayed the inevitable.
Historic Series Win For Bangladesh
The victory not only gave Bangladesh a 3-0 sweep but also marked Afghanistan’s first bilateral T20I series loss in the UAE since 2015. It followed Bangladesh’s 2-0 home series win over the same opponents last year.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 143/9 in 20 overs (Darwish Rasooli 32, Sediqullah Atal 28, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 23*; Mohammad Saifuddin 3-15, Nasum Ahmed 2-24, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-24) Bangladesh 144/4 in 18 overs (Saif Hassan 64*, Tanzid Hasan 33; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-26, Azmatullah Omarzai 1-12) Result: Bangladesh won by six wickets; clinch series 3-0.
