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Bangladesh edge Afghanistan by 8 runs, keep Super Four hopes alive
15 October 2025 0 Comments Aarav Kingsley

When Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh captain, won the toss and chose to bat, nobody could have guessed the narrow finish that would follow. Bangladesh posted 154/7 on a pitch that bowled over‑the‑top deliveries and offered little assistance to the batters. Afghanistan, anchored by veteran spinners, fell short by exactly eight runs, ending at 146/10. The win keeps Bangladesh’s Super Four dream flickering, but the path ahead is anything but smooth.

Match overview

The clash took place on 16 September 2025 as Match 9 of the DP World Asia Cup 2025Khalifa International Stadium, Doha. Both sides entered with a point each, making every run critical for the group‑stage standings. The umpires, though unnamed, kept a tight leash on the proceedings, which wrapped up just before 11 pm local time.

Bangladesh’s batting innings

Opening the chase, Tanzid Hasan, the left‑handed opener, gave Bangladesh a solid start, putting on a 48‑run partnership before being caught behind. The middle order struggled against Afghanistan’s spin duo, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who kept the run rate in check.

Shanto’s tactical shuffle—bringing in off‑spinner Nasum Ahmed earlier than usual—paid dividends. Nasum claimed two crucial wickets, including the dismissal of the in‑form Afghan batsman Mohammad Nabi for 15 runs.

Bangladesh’s final tally of 154 came largely thanks to a late surge from lower‑order hitter Mustafizur Rahman, who smashed a quick‑fire 22 off 12 balls before rolling his arm over the next over.

Afghanistan’s chase and bowling highlights

Chasing 155, Afghanistan’s opening pair survived the initial powerplay, but the required run rate kept ticking up. The turning point arrived in the 15th over when Taskin Ahmed struck with a crisp out‑swinging delivery that trapped Omar Zai lbw for a quick 19. The wicket sparked a brief flurry, but wickets kept falling.

Afghanistan’s tail‑ender Fazalhaq Farooqi tried to salvage the innings, scoring two runs off three balls in the final over, but the required 9 runs from the last ball proved too steep. The game concluded at 146/10, with a run‑rate of 7.30.

In the bowling department, Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match‑winning spell: 4‑0‑28‑3, including the crucial wicket of Nabi. Taskin Ahmed added 4‑0‑34‑2, stifling Afghanistan’s late‑order surge.

Key performances and tactical moves

Key performances and tactical moves

  • Mustafizur Rahman – 4 wickets, economy 7.00, the real game‑changer.
  • Taskin Ahmed – 2 wickets, kept the pressure on in the death overs.
  • Nasum Ahmed – off‑spin surprise, 2/30, broke the partnership at 86/2.
  • Rashid Khan – 1/36, fought hard but Bangladesh’s lower order proved resilient.
  • Noor Ahmad – 1/38, his variations limited Bangladesh's scoring in the middle overs.

Implications for Super Four qualification

With this win, Bangladesh leapt to second place in Group B, edging Afghanistan on points. However, a negative Net Run Rate of –0.27 still looms large. The next match sees Afghanistan taking on Sri Lanka. If Afghanistan wins by a margin of 65 runs or more, Bangladesh’s Super Four hopes are extinguished. A narrow win for Afghanistan would still leave Bangladesh in contention, provided they can edge out Sri Lanka on NRR in the final round‑ robin.

In short, Bangladesh must hope for a low‑scoring thriller in Doha while polishing their own run‑rate with aggressive batting against Sri Lanka.

Historical context and future outlook

Historical context and future outlook

The 8‑run margin is a striking coincidence. In the previous encounter of this Asia Cup cycle, Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by exactly eight runs in Dhaka. The symmetry adds a quirky narrative that fans are already sharing on social media.

Looking forward, the tournament’s knockout stage promises high‑stakes clashes. Bangladesh’s batting depth will be tested against stronger sides, while their pace attack—led by Mustafizur and Taskin—needs to stay sharp. For Afghanistan, a win against Sri Lanka would secure a Super Four berth, turning the current disappointment into a springboard for the semi‑finals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bangladesh’s win affect its Super Four chances?

The victory moves Bangladesh to second in Group B, but a negative Net Run Rate means they still need Afghanistan to lose heavily to Sri Lanka or for Bangladesh to boost their NRR against Sri Lanka in the final group match.

What were the standout bowling figures in the match?

Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3 wickets for 28 runs in four overs, while Taskin Ahmed added 2 wickets for 34 runs. Both spells were pivotal in defending the 154 total.

Why was the pitch described as ‘difficult for batting’?

The surface offered uneven bounce and turned sharply in the later overs, making timing tricky for both sides. Spinners extracted extra turn, while pace bowlers got occasional seam movement.

What does the 8‑run margin signify in the context of the tournament?

It mirrors the earlier encounter where Afghanistan won by eight runs, highlighting how tightly matched the two sides are. The symmetry also adds a narrative hook that fans are eagerly discussing online.

Who are the key players to watch for Bangladesh in the remaining matches?

All‑rounder Mustafizur Rahman, seamer Taskin Ahmed, and emerging opener Tanzid Hasan have shown form. Their ability to adapt to different pitches will be decisive as the group stage concludes.