Bangladesh clinched a two-wicket victory over Afghanistan with five balls to spare in the second T20 international on Friday, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 148 for victory, Bangladesh reached 150-8 in 19.1 overs after a tense finish at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Jaker Ali top-scored with 32 off 25 balls, while Shamim Hossain hit 33 from 22 deliveries. Nurul Hasan added an unbeaten 31 to guide Bangladesh over the line after late wickets put the chase in doubt.
For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler, taking 4-23 in his 3.1 overs. Rashid Khan picked up 2-29 from four overs, but the Afghan attack could not stop Bangladesh’s lower order from securing the win.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 147-5 in their 20 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran anchoring the innings. Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the run rate in check to set up the chase.
The third and final T20 will be played Sunday, with Bangladesh already sealing the series.
