Bangladesh kept their Super Four ambitions with a nail-biting 8-run victory over Afghanistan in Match 9 of the Asia Cup 2025 at Abu Dhabi. Having won the toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first and managed to score a decent 154/5 in 20 overs with plenty of contributions from the top and middle order. In reply, Afghanistan's chase faltered in the middle and despite some spirited mini-fights from Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib, bowled for 146 in 20 overs to hand Bangladesh an 8-run win. Mustafizur Rahman (3/28) and Nasum Ahmed (2/11) starred with the ball, while Afghans couldn’t sustain momentum. Below are the main reasons for Afghanistan defeat:

1. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling under pressure

Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman (3/28) and Nasum Ahmed (2/11) took early wickets and continued to take wickets. Their tight spells, particularly at the death, choked Afghanistan's scoring and halted any momentum.

2. Middle-order collapse derailed the chase

Afghanistan lost four wickets in between 10-15 overs, as they went from 62/4 to needing huge hits on a regular basis. Gulbadin Naib’s mistimed slog and Rashid Khan leaving sealed their fate.

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3. Failing to build a late-over partnership

There was a mini-resurgence with Rashid Khan (20 off 11) and AZmatullah Omarzai in the final overs, but by then the required run rate had soared. Missed singles, a run-out (Karim Janat), and tight fielding from Bangladesh ended their fight.