BAN vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025: Nasum Ahmed, Tanzid Hasan Shine as Bangladesh Survive Afghanistan Scare

The Asia Cup 2025 continues to produce thrillers, and the Group B clash between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Dubai was no different. Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, managed to edge past Afghanistan by eight runs in a tense finish that kept their hopes alive for a Super Four berth.

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From Tanzid Hasan’s explosive batting to Nasum Ahmed’s early breakthroughs and Mustafizur Rahman’s death-bowling heroics, the game had everything fans could ask for.

Ban vs Afg: Bangladesh’s Explosive Start

Bangladesh, batting first, came out with intent. Tanzid Hasan Tamim was the star of the show at the top, smashing a 31-ball 52 filled with crisp strokes and fearless intent. Alongside Saif Hassan (30 off 28), he added a 63-run opening stand that provided the perfect launch pad.

At one stage, Bangladesh looked set for a 180+ total on a batting-friendly surface. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan (2/26) and Noor Ahmad (2/23), pegged them back. The middle order struggled to accelerate as Rashid’s variations and Noor’s sharp left-arm spin created pressure.

Eventually, Bangladesh were restricted to 154/5 in 20 overs, a total that felt competitive but not out of reach.

Ban vs Afg: Afghanistan’s Chase – Gurbaz Steadies, Omarzai Sparks

Chasing 155, Afghanistan had a horror start as Nasum Ahmed struck with his very first ball, trapping Sediqullah Atal LBW. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35 off 31) steadied the innings with his typical calm approach, anchoring one end.

Partnerships were the need of the hour, but Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Rishad Hossain (2 wickets), applied the brakes in the middle overs.

Just when the chase seemed to be slipping, Azmatullah Omarzai (30 off 16) reignited Afghan hopes with a burst of boundaries, keeping the equation alive.

But Bangladesh held their nerve. Mustafizur Rahman (3/28), with his trademark cutters, removed Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar in consecutive deliveries during the penultimate over, effectively sealing the game.

Afghanistan eventually fell short at 146 all out, handing Bangladesh a crucial eight-run win.

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Match-Winning Heroes

• Tanzid Hasan (52 off 31): His power-hitting in the PowerPlay set the foundation for Bangladesh’s total.

• Nasum Ahmed (2 wickets): Struck early and created pressure with his accuracy.

• Mustafizur Rahman (3/28): Once again proved his value in crunch situations, dismantling Afghanistan’s lower order.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad stood out with the ball, while Omarzai’s late fireworks kept fans on the edge of their seats.

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What This Result Means for Group B

This win keeps Bangladesh alive in the race for the Super Fours. The group scenario is now wide open:

• Afghanistan remain strong with a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR 4.700).

• Sri Lanka are also in contention with a solid NRR (2.595).

• Bangladesh (-0.650) need results to go their way in the remaining matches.

If Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will progress. But if Afghanistan win against Sri Lanka, net run rate calculations will decide the fate of all three teams.

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What the Captains Said

🗣️ Jonathan Trott (Afghanistan head coach):
“We weren’t good in the field. Bangladesh got off to a flying start, and our PowerPlay batting couldn’t match theirs. Still, we have plenty to play for. If we beat Sri Lanka, we can top the group. We have to dust ourselves off and come back stronger.”

🗣️ Litton Das (Bangladesh captain):
Praised his bowlers for holding their nerve in the death overs and credited Tanzid Hasan for his aggressive start.

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Final Thoughts

The BAN vs AFG clash was a true Asia Cup classic – a mix of explosive batting, quality spin bowling, tense middle overs, and a nerve-wracking finish. Bangladesh may have survived, but questions remain about their middle-order consistency.

For Afghanistan, fielding lapses and a slow start with the bat proved costly. Yet, their fighting spirit ensures the group remains unpredictable heading into the final fixtures.

One thing is certain: Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and fans can expect more drama as the race to the Super Four intensifies.

• ICC Official Match Centre (Scores & Updates)
  👉 Asia Cup 2025 – ICC Official Site

• ESPN Cricinfo – Full Scorecard & Commentary
  👉 BAN vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025 Match Scorecard

• Indian Swan Official Blog For Asia Cup 2025
  👉 All Asia Cup 2025 Match Report