Chattogram, T20I Series: Bangladesh wrapped up a commanding 3-0 series win over Afghanistan with a clinical six-wicket victory in the third T20I on Monday. Powered by Saif Hassan’s explosive 64 off 38 balls*, the hosts chased down 144 with two overs to spare, completing only their fourth-ever clean sweep in T20I history.
Saifuddin Leads Bowling Charge
Asked to bowl first, Bangladesh’s attack once again rose to the occasion. Mohammad Saifuddin (3/15) was the standout, striking early and pegging Afghanistan back whenever they looked to build momentum. Nasum Ahmed (2/24) and Rishad Hossain chipped in with key middle-overs breakthroughs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/30) dismissed Rashid Khan and Abdullah Ahmamdzai off successive deliveries.
Despite a spirited late partnership between Darwish Rasooli (32) and *Mujeeb Ur Rahman (15)**, Afghanistan could only muster 143/9 in 20 overs. Their batting woes continued, particularly in the PowerPlay, where they managed just 39 runs while losing three wickets.
Saif Hassan Turns the Chase into a Cruise
Chasing a tricky target, Bangladesh made a cautious start against Mujeeb and Omarzai. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon struggled for fluency, managing 14 off 16 before falling. But once Saif Hassan walked in, the tone of the innings shifted dramatically.
Saif showcased both timing and power, smashing boundaries at will. He launched consecutive sixes off Rashid Khan, and then tore into Ahmadzai’s over, hammering three fours and a six as 22 runs flowed. His half-century came in style, with back-to-back sixes in a 17-run over.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim (33) provided steady support, while Nurul Hasan (18*) finished the job alongside Saif, ensuring Bangladesh crossed the line at 144/4 in 18 overs.
A Statement Series for Bangladesh
The clean sweep marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s T20I side, underlining their growing depth and ability to dominate even without big-name contributions every game. Saif Hassan’s emergence as a reliable middle-order finisher, alongside Saifuddin’s consistency with the ball, provides the Tigers with fresh confidence ahead of future assignments.
For Afghanistan, the series exposed their fragile top-order batting and over-reliance on individual brilliance. Despite Gurbaz’s return, their PowerPlay struggles continued, leaving too much for the middle and lower order to repair.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 143/9 (20 overs): Darwish Rasooli 32, Sediqullah Atal 28; Mohammad Saifuddin 3-15, Nasum Ahmed 2-24
Bangladesh 144/4 (18 overs): Saif Hassan 64*, Tanzid Hasan 33; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-26, Azmatullah Omarzai 1-12
Result: Bangladesh won by six wickets, clinching the T20I series 3-0.