In a dramatic, must-win encounter, Bangladesh secured a thrilling eight-run victory over Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 16. The high-stakes match took place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This result was absolutely pivotal for Bangladesh’s tournament journey. Ultimately, the hard-fought win keeps their hopes alive for qualifying for the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 stage.
Bangladesh Snatch Dramatic Eight-Run Victory to Stay Alive in Asia Cup 2025
In a pulsating, high-stakes encounter at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by exactly eight runs to keep their Super 4 qualification hopes burning. Moreover, this nail-biting win came in a virtual knockout match where every ball carried championship-level pressure. Consequently, Bangladesh’s players delivered when it mattered most—combining explosive batting, shrewd bowling changes, and ice-cool fielding under immense duress. Above all, this victory reshapes Group B’s destiny and forces Afghanistan into a do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka.
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Tanzid Hasan Ignites Bangladesh Innings With Electrifying Half-Century
Right from the opening over, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim seized control of the innings, smashing a blistering 52 off just 31 deliveries. Furthermore, his knock—adorned with four boundaries and three towering sixes—propelled Bangladesh to a flying start alongside Saif Hassan, who contributed a vital 30 from 28 balls. In fact, their 63-run opening partnership, assembled in only 40 balls, laid a rock-solid platform. As a result, Bangladesh raced to 87 for 1 after 10 overs, looking destined to post a 170-plus total under the lights.
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Afghan Spinners Stage Brilliant Middle-Overs Comeback
However, Afghanistan’s spin duo, Noor Ahmad and captain Rashid Khan, masterfully wrestled back control during the crucial middle overs. First, Rashid clean-bowled Saif Hassan with a perfectly disguised googly. Shortly after, Noor Ahmad dismissed skipper Litton Das for a mere 9 and then trapped Tanzid lbw as he attempted an aggressive sweep—ending his brilliant cameo. Consequently, Bangladesh’s momentum stalled dramatically, scoring only 30 runs in the final five overs. Nevertheless, gritty cameos from Towhid Hridoy (26 off 20), Nurul Hasan (12 off 6), and Jaker Ali (12 off 13) ensured Bangladesh posted a competitive 154 for 5.
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Headline: Nasum Ahmed’s Dream Debut Over Shatters Afghan Top Order
Bangladesh’s tactical gamble to replace Mahedi Hasan with left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed paid instant, game-changing dividends. Incredibly, Nasum trapped opener Sediqullah Atal lbw with his very first delivery in international cricket—and followed it with a wicket-maiden over. Moreover, he struck again in his third over, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran for 5, reducing Afghanistan to 27 for 2 inside the powerplay. Thus, Nasum’s spell of 2 for 11 in three overs completely derailed Afghanistan’s chase before it could gain traction.
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Headline: Rishad and Mustafizur Strangle Afghan Middle and Lower Order
As Afghanistan attempted to rebuild, Rishad Hossain applied the chokehold. He first removed the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35), caught sweeping straight to Jaker Ali at backward square leg. Then, he dismissed Mohammad Nabi (15), who played on to his stumps off Mustafizur Rahman. Consequently, Afghanistan slumped to 62 for 4 by the 10-over mark and 77 for 5 by the 13th over. Mustafizur, lethal in the death, returned to clean up the tail—claiming Azmatullah Omarzai (30 off 15), Rashid Khan (20 off 11), and nearly defending 22 in the final over. Ultimately, he finished with match-winning figures of 3 for 28.
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Noor Ahmad’s Heroics Fall Short in Final-Over Heartbreak
Despite the collapse, Afghanistan refused to surrender. Noor Ahmad launched a stunning counterattack in the final over, smashing two sixes off Taskin Ahmed to ignite fleeting hope. Fans erupted as the equation narrowed—but on the very last ball, Noor skied a catch to mid-off, sealing Afghanistan’s fate at 146 all out. Although his unbeaten 18-ball cameo electrified the stadium, it proved too little, too late. Thus, Bangladesh celebrated a dramatic, eight-run triumph that kept their Asia Cup campaign alive.
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Victory Reshapes Group B; Bangladesh Await Sri Lanka-Afghanistan Clash
This result completely reshuffles Group B’s Super 4 race. Now, Bangladesh cling to qualification hopes, while Afghanistan must defeat table-toppers Sri Lanka in their final match to advance. Three teams remain in contention for two spots—ensuring the group stage concludes with maximum drama. Thanks to Tanzid’s fireworks, Nasum’s dream debut, and Mustafizur’s death-over mastery, Bangladesh refused to fade away. Instead, they roared back into contention—and turned Asia Cup 2025 into an even more unpredictable, thrilling spectacle.