🏏 Tanzid, Parvez Fifties Power Bangladesh Past Afghanistan in First T20I at Sharjah
🔥 Bangladesh Begin Series with a Bang
The much-anticipated Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I series 2025 kicked off at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and fans were treated to an action-packed contest. The opening clash of the three-match T20I series saw the Tigers roar past Afghanistan with a 4-wicket win, powered by half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon.
While Rashid Khan’s brilliance with the ball kept the hosts alive, Bangladesh’s top-order dominance and late fireworks from Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain ensured the visitors secured a 1-0 lead in the series.
This win was more than just a victory — it was a statement of intent from a youthful Bangladesh squad determined to make waves in T20 cricket.
🏟️ Afghanistan’s Innings: Struggles Despite Sparks of Brilliance
Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first, hoping to put runs on the board and pressure Bangladesh in a chasing scenario. However, their batting lineup faltered under disciplined Bangladeshi bowling.
Key Highlights of Afghanistan’s Batting:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40 off 31): The wicketkeeper-batter tried to anchor the innings, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes. But his dismissal at a crucial stage derailed Afghanistan’s momentum.
- Mohammad Nabi (38 off 25): The veteran all-rounder showed his class with four massive sixes. His cameo gave Afghanistan a fighting total.
- Lower-order Collapse: Afghanistan’s tail failed to capitalize, losing quick wickets in the death overs.
Afghanistan ended at 151/9 in 20 overs, a score that seemed competitive but not commanding on a Sharjah pitch that offered true bounce and some spin.
🎯 Bangladesh’s Bowling: Team Effort with Disciplined Lines
Bangladesh’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, never allowing Afghanistan to settle into a rhythm.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/34): Provided early breakthroughs, removing Sediqullah Atal and Gurbaz.
- Rishad Hossain (2/33): His leg-spin troubled Afghan batters, picking up Ishaq and Omarzai.
- Nasum Ahmed (1/18): The left-arm spinner was economical, choking runs in the powerplay.
- Taskin Ahmed & Mustafizur Rahman (1 wicket each): Both senior pacers maintained pressure at crucial moments.
Their combined effort meant that even though Nabi threatened to take the game away, Afghanistan never crossed the 160-run mark.
🚀 Bangladesh’s Chase: Tanzid & Parvez Set the Stage
Chasing 152, Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon took the game head-on.
Opening Partnership:
- Tanzid Hasan (51 off 37): Played with maturity, mixing boundaries with smart running. His strike rate of 137.83 ensured Bangladesh stayed ahead of the required rate.
- Parvez Hossain Emon (54 off 37): The left-hander was aggressive, striking 4 fours and 3 sixes. His fifty set the tone for the innings.
- Together, they built a 100-run opening stand, laying the foundation for victory.
However, once both openers fell in quick succession, Bangladesh’s middle order collapsed dramatically. Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib all fell for ducks, raising Afghan hopes.
🌟 Rashid Khan’s Magic Spell
The undisputed star for Afghanistan was their captain Rashid Khan, who produced a masterclass in T20 bowling.
- Figures: 4/18 in 4 overs
- Dismissed Tanzid, Saif, Jaker Ali, and Shamim
- Bowled with aggression, variation, and unmatched control
Rashid almost turned the game single-handedly, exposing Bangladesh’s middle-order weakness. However, the lack of support from other bowlers meant Afghanistan couldn’t close the game out.
💥 Bangladesh’s Finishers: Nurul & Rishad Seal the Deal
At 118/6, the game hung in the balance. But Nurul Hasan (23 off 13) and Rishad Hossain (14 off 9) showed nerves of steel, smashing quick runs to finish the chase with 8 balls to spare.
This showed Bangladesh’s depth and ability to absorb pressure — a quality they’ll need in upcoming matches.
📊 Scorecard Summary (Quick Look)
Afghanistan Innings – 151/9 (20 overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 40 (31)
- Mohammad Nabi – 38 (25)
- Tanzim Sakib – 2/34
- Rishad Hossain – 2/33
Bangladesh Innings – 153/6 (18.4 overs)
- Parvez Hossain Emon – 54 (37)
- Tanzid Hasan – 51 (37)
- Rashid Khan – 4/18
- Bangladesh won by 4 wickets
🔑 Turning Points of the Match
- 100-Run Opening Stand: Tanzid and Parvez set up the chase.
- Rashid Khan’s 4-Wicket Haul: Briefly swung momentum Afghanistan’s way.
- Nurul’s Finishing Touch: His quickfire cameo sealed the win for Bangladesh.
📈 What This Win Means for Bangladesh
This victory wasn’t just about going 1-0 up in the series. It highlighted:
- Strong Top Order: Tanzid and Parvez look ready to carry Bangladesh’s batting in T20s.
- Bowling Balance: Seamers and spinners complement each other well.
- Resilience: Recovering from a mini-collapse shows growing maturity.
Bangladesh will now look to seal the series in the 2nd T20I.
🏏 Afghanistan’s Concerns
Afghanistan will need to quickly address key issues:
- Over-reliance on Rashid Khan: Other bowlers must step up.
- Middle-order failures: Nabi can’t always rescue them.
- Fielding lapses: Dropped catches cost them crucial runs.
Unless they find balance, Afghanistan risk losing the series.
📺 Fans’ Reactions on Social Media
Cricket Twitter exploded with reactions after the match:
- “🔥 Tanzid and Parvez – the future of Bangladesh batting!”
- “Rashid Khan deserves better support, what a spell!”
- “Bangladesh’s young guns are taking over T20 cricket.”
📰 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
At Cricketory, we believe this match marks a turning point for Bangladesh’s T20 cricket. For years, the Tigers struggled with inconsistency, but now they’re developing reliable openers and fearless finishers.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s over-dependence on Rashid Khan continues to hurt them in big games. Until others step up, their growth in T20 cricket will stall.
Expect the next two matches to be equally fiery, especially with Sharjah’s spin-friendly track suiting both teams.
🔮 What’s Next? 2nd T20I Preview
The second T20I is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Sharjah.
- Bangladesh will aim to clinch the series 2-0.
- Afghanistan will fight to stay alive, banking on Rashid, Nabi, and Gurbaz.
- Expect another high-voltage clash with subplots of redemption and dominance.