When Saif Hassan, opening bat for Bangladesh National Cricket Team smashed an unbeaten 64 off 38 balls, the 3-0 T20I series sweep of Afghanistan National Cricket Team at Sharjah Cricket Stadium felt inevitable. The match wrapped up just after midnight IST on 5 October 2025, sealing a historic clean‑sheet for Bangladesh in the Eti Salat Cup T20 International tournament.
Series overview: how the whitewash unfolded
The three‑match series, part of a broader bilateral agreement between the two South Asian sides, kicked off on 1 October 2025. Bangladesh clinched the first game after a nerve‑jacking collapse that saw them lose six wickets for nine runs, yet they scraped through with a two‑run margin. The second encounter was tighter—a two‑wicket win cemented by a late cameo from Char Islam. By the time the third T20I rolled around, the hosts were buzzing with confidence, and the visitors were feeling the heat.
Match‑day drama at Sharjah
Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali won the toss and elected to field. Afghanistan’s innings never really got going; they posted 143/9 in 20 overs, thanks to a top‑order contribution of 32 from Rahmatullah and a quick‑fire 23 from Mujeeb off just 18 balls. The real turning point came when Mohammad Saifuddin rattled back‑leg and seam, finishing with figures of 3‑15 in three overs.
Chasing 144, Bangladesh opened with Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan. The latter’s 64* featured eight fours and three sixes, accelerating the run‑rate to a comfortable 8.0 per over. By the 18th over, the scoreboard read 144/4, leaving two full overs unused and a jubilant crowd cheering from the stands.
Key performances and stats
- Saif Hassan – 64* (38) – Player of the Match
- Mohammad Saifuddin – 3/15 in 3 overs
- Afghanistan’s top scorer – Rahmatullah 32 (24)
- Bangladesh’s best bowler besides Saifuddin – Nasum (2/24)
- Match finish – 18.0 overs, 2 overs remaining
Reactions from the dugout
After the final wicket fell, Jaker Ali gathered his squad at the podium. "The players bounced back after a disappointing Asia Cup. Our fielding, bowling, and batting all clicked," he said. "We need to keep believing and stay confident for the ODI series." The captain’s words were met with applause and a quick photo‑op with the Eti Salat Cup trophy.
Afghanistan’s coach, however, kept his tone measured. "We showed moments of fire, especially from Mujeeb, but the chase didn’t go our way. We’ll regroup and look at the ODI format with a fresh plan," he remarked, hinting at possible changes in the opening order.
Why the sweep matters for Bangladesh
Beyond the numbers, the clean‑sheet is a morale booster after a lackluster Asia Cup run that left fans and pundits scratching their heads. Sports analyst Rashid Ahmed noted, "A 3‑0 victory here shows Bangladesh can dominate a T20I series on neutral ground. It’s a statement piece ahead of the ODI leg." The performance also puts Saif Hassan squarely in contention for his maiden ODI call‑up, a development the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already hinted at.
Looking ahead: the ODI showdown in Abu Dhabi
Only three days after the T20I finale, the two teams will lock horns for a three‑match One Day International series at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, starting 8 October 2025. Broadcast networks will kick off coverage at 10:00 AM GMT, and both camps expect full‑strength squads.
Bangladesh hopes to carry the momentum, especially with Saif Hassan likely opening and Saifuddin leading the pace attack. Afghanistan, on the other hand, may experiment with a more aggressive top order, perhaps giving newcomer Bashir Ahmad a longer spell after his debut in the third T20I.
Historical backdrop
Bilaterally, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have met 15 times in T20Is before this series, with Afghanistan holding a narrow edge of 8‑7. This is the first occasion Bangladesh has ever white‑washed Afghanistan in a three‑match block, a milestone that underscores the rapid rise of Bangladesh cricket since their Test debut in 2000.
The Eti Salat Cup, inaugurated in 2023, was designed to give associate and emerging nations more high‑quality exposure in the Gulf. It has quickly become a fixture on the calendar, attracting teams from South Asia, the Middle East, and even occasional European sides.
Key facts at a glance
- Date of final T20I: 5 Oct 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Result: Bangladesh 144/4 (18 overs) beat Afghanistan 143/9 (20 overs)
- Top scorer: Saif Hassan 64* (38)
- Best bowler: Mohammad Saifuddin 3/15
- Next series: 3‑match ODI, 8‑12 Oct 2025, Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bangladesh’s series sweep affect their ICC T20 rankings?
The 3‑0 win adds six points to Bangladesh’s ranking total, likely climbing them one spot from 8th to 7th globally. The clean sweep also improves their net run rate, a factor that will help in future tournament seedings.
What changes might Afghanistan make before the ODI series?
Afghanistan’s coaching staff hinted at promoting faster bowlers like Bashir Ahmad to the opening spell and giving more responsibility to middle‑order hitters such as Najibullah, aiming to boost their scoring rate in the 50‑over format.
Why was Sharjah chosen as the neutral venue?
The Asian Cricket Council designates Sharjah as a neutral ground because of its state‑of‑the‑art facilities, reliable weather in October, and its history of hosting high‑profile bilateral series, ensuring both sides compete on equal footing.
Which player is most likely to debut in the upcoming ODI series?
Given his unbeaten 64 in the final T20I, Saif Hassan is the frontrunner for an ODI debut, especially as Bangladesh look to solidify their top order ahead of the Abu Dhabi leg.
How significant is the Eti Salat Cup for associate nations?
Since its launch, the Eti Salat Cup has provided 12 emerging teams with valuable exposure to higher‑ranked opposition, helping bridge the competitive gap and offering ICC ranking points that can accelerate a nation’s ascent.
