Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight runs in a tense Asia Cup group-stage clash on Tuesday, holding off a late charge to secure their second win of the tournament.
Batting first after winning the toss at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Bangladesh posted 154 for 5 in their 20 overs. Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 52 off 31 balls, while Saif Hassan added 30 and Towhid Hridoy chipped in with 26. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the total in check, with Noor Ahmad (2-23) and Rashid Khan (2-26) leading the attack.
In reply, Afghanistan finished on 146 all out in 20 overs, despite a fighting 35 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a quickfire 30 off 16 balls from Azmatullah Omarzai. Captain Rashid Khan added 20, but regular wickets prevented momentum.
Bangladesh’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs. Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3-28, Nasum Ahmed took 2-11, and Rishad Hossain finished with 2-18 as Afghanistan fell short of the target.
The result keeps Bangladesh in contention for a semifinal spot, while Afghanistan will need victories in their remaining group matches to stay alive in the tournament.
