In a thriller match under the lights at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Mustafizur Rahman delivered a death over masterclass, tearing into the lower middle order and securing a close victory. Though Bangladesh won by just 8 runs it was Mustafizur Rahman spell that turned the tide in this nail biter match.
Bangladesh Sets a Fighting Total
The match was a must win for Bangladesh to stay in the running for the Super Fours. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim answered the call with a 52 off 31 balls, anchoring the batting effort, while Saif Hassan played a useful supporting knock of 30. They gave a perfect start for Bangladesh to put a total of 154/5 in 20 overs, a modest total but one with enough room for the bowling attack to secure a victory.
Afghanistan’s spinners, Noor Ahmad (2-23) and Rashid Khan (2-26) bowled crucial spells , ensuring scoring was never easy for the Bangla batters. Still Bangladesh had enough in the tank to put up a defendable total.
Mustafizur Rahman with The Key Spell
When Afghanistan came out to chase, they looked dangerous early , Gurbaz’s 35 provided a spark and put Afghanistan in a decent position to take the victory. But Mustafizur had other plans. He returned at a crucial juncture, delivering a spell of 3-28 that dismantled the backbone of Afghanistan’s chase.
His first big impact came from dismissing Mohammad Nabi, who chopped one onto his wicket, breaking one of the more solid partnerships. As pressure mounted, Mustafizur mixed pace and cutters, changed lengths subtly, and forced batters into making mistakes, crowding them with dot balls and tempting poor shots. His death overs delivery, especially when Afghanistan needed only a handful of runs, getting the wicket of Rashid Khan in the penultimate over was a huge turning point and it was was clinical and crucial for Bangladesh to edge out with a win.
Supporting Casts Step Up
Mustafizur was not alone. Nasum Ahmed (2-11) set the tone early with two sharp wickets, giving Bangladesh the momentum. Rishad Hossain also played his part with 2-18, keeping things tight and adding to the pressure. Taskin Ahmed’s seam work complemented the spin and cutters of Mustafizur Rahman, ensuring Afghanistan never quite found their rhythm to chase down the total.
Afghanistan’s batting which often looked dangerous and capable of chasing down the total, faltered when it mattered most. They lost quick wickets in the middle overs and were unable to fully recover. Even with the required rate manageable, Mustafizur Rahman and company never let them settle and make a good partnership to help them chase down the total.
What This Win Means for Bangladesh
This victory by eight runs keeps Bangladesh’s Asia Cup hopes very much alive for Asia Cup 2025. With this result, they remain in contention for a Super Fours berth, adding pressure on their remaining matches and those of their rivals.
Mustafizur Rahman’s performance will be remembered not just for the wickets, but for timing. Bowling in crunch moments, he shifted the momentum of the game. The confidence this gives Bangladesh’s bowling unit is invaluable. Afghanistan meanwhile, will rue missed chances and slow starts, particularly their inability to close when in striking distance.
When the pressure was highest, Mustafizur Rahman rose to the occasion. His controlled aggression and ability to strike precisely under duress not only rattled Afghanistan’s middle order but ultimately swung this tight game Bangladesh’s way. On a night where every ball mattered, it was Mustafizur who made the difference and kept his side’s Super Fours dreams alive.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Mustafizur Rahman Joins Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025