Afghanistan have signaled their intent to win the 2022 Asia Cup by putting on a dominant display. They swept aside Bangladesh with a 7-wicket win in their final Group B fixture, making Mohammad Nabi's side the first team to qualify for the Super Four after winning both of their opening matches. The game was a tough one for Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, who marked his 100th T20I with a disappointing performance. After electing to bat first at Sharjah on Tuesday, Bangladesh failed to set a competitive target, finishing their 20 overs at 127/7.
Afghanistan's pursuit of the target started off sluggishly, but Najibullah Zadran turned the tide with a brilliant, unbeaten 43 that saw them cross the finish line with 9 balls to spare. Zadran's innings was a masterclass in power hitting; on a pitch that offered very little for the batters—where almost everyone else struggled to hit a single six—he managed to launch the ball over the ropes six times.
The race for the final Super Four spot now comes down to a winner-takes-all clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this Thursday, September 1. Both sides are heading into this match having seen their top order dismantled by an inspired Afghanistan team.
The Afghan chase was far from seamless, as they were struggling at 85/3 after 16 overs following the cheap dismissal of captain Mohammad Nabi for 8. However, the young Ibrahim Zadran played a crucial anchoring role, scoring 42 and keeping the scoreboard ticking while the Bangladeshi bowlers applied pressure.
The turning point came during Mustafizur Rahman’s third over, when Najibullah exploded for 17 runs, including two massive sixes. The onslaught continued in the following over as Mohammad Saifuddin conceded another two sixes and two boundaries, bringing Afghanistan within touching distance of victory. Najibullah eventually sealed the win and the Super Four qualification with one final huge six.
Earlier in the match, Mujeeb Ur Rahman tore through the top of the Bangladesh order, dismissing both openers and captain Shakib during the powerplay. Rashid Khan then maintained the pressure, dismantling the middle order to claim three wickets of his own.
Bangladesh's batters struggled with their shot selection, often playing across the line, which left them reeling at 53/5. A determined 33-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Mahmudullah (25) and Mosaddek Hossain provided some stability, but Rashid broke through in the 16th over to remove the experienced Mahmudullah.
Mosaddek Hossain was the standout for Bangladesh, fighting his way to an unbeaten 48 to push the total past 120 and give his bowlers a fighting chance. Ultimately, 127 was not enough to stop Afghanistan, as Najibullah tore through the attack in the final overs.