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Saif Hassan's explosive knock helps Bangladesh register historic clean sweep in AFG T20Is

Jatin

Bangladesh whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com]Bangladesh whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com]

Bangladesh wrapped up a statement 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan in Sharjah as they sealed the final game by six wickets with two overs to spare. It was their first ever clean sweep against Afghanistan in T20Is and they did it in some style.

Chasing 144, Bangladesh once again stuck to their tried-and-tested script. Saif Hassan played the starring role with an unbeaten 38-ball 64, laced with seven sixes and two fours. His composure under pressure and clean ball-striking made the chase look easier than it was as Bangladesh continued their run-chasing dominance throughout the series.

Bangladesh’s chase stays on track

After being set a target of 144, Bangladesh started briskly with Tanzid Hasan providing the early spark after losing his partner Parvez Hossain Emon for 14. He and Saif added 55 for the second wicket, keeping the scoreboard ticking despite the occasional hiccup. Tanzid, who looked solid against spin, smashed Rashid Khan for two back-to-back boundaries and launched Mujeeb Ur Rahman for a six down the ground.

His luck ran out in the 11th over after a miscued shot off Abdollah Ahmadzai found mid-off, but his 33 off 33 had already set the platform. Saif then took charge, clearing the ropes with ease, even taking Ahmadzai for a 92-metre monster six in a 22-run over that swung the game firmly Bangladesh’s way.

The middle order did wobble when Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain fell in quick succession to Mujeeb, but Saif Hassan stood tall. He weathered Rashid’s final over even playing out a maiden before cutting loose again. His back-to-back sixes off debutant Bashir Ahmad in the 16th over sealed the deal. The second six, a 95-meter slog sweep, brought up his fourth T20I fifty.

Nurul Hasan, cool as ever, finished the job with a six over midwicket off Ahmadzai to wrap up a memorable series win. Bangladesh reached the target in 18 overs, ending at 144/4 with Nurul unbeaten in all three matches.

Afghanistan’s innings never took off

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan’s story was painfully familiar. Sent in to bat first, they never really found rhythm. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran fell early and by the end of the powerplay, they were already struggling at 39/3.

Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed were on the money with the new ball, while Mohammad Saifuddin stole the show with his smart variations, picking up 3/15. He dismissed Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil and Darwish Rasooli, tightening the noose in the middle overs.

Afghanistan’s middle order couldn’t withstand the pressure as Mohammad Nabi, Omarzai and even captain Rashid Khan fell cheaply. It took a late fightback from Rasooli (32 off 29) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (23 not out off 18) to drag them past 140. 

The duo added a gutsy 34 for the ninth wicket, giving their bowlers at least something to defend. But on a night where Bangladesh looked hungry for history, 143 for 9 was never going to be enough.

With this six-wicket win, Bangladesh not only wrapped up the series but also recorded their first 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan. More importantly, they did it chasing every single time, a sign of a team that’s growing in confidence and composure under pressure.