Welcome to IPL Star, your go-to source for niche cricket news and updates. In this detailed AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap, we dive into how Bangladesh pulled off a stunning victory to seal a historic 3-0 series sweep against Afghanistan. Played on October 5, 2025, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, this game showcased Bangladesh’s tactical brilliance and Afghanistan’s ongoing struggles. If you’re a cricket fan wondering how Saif Hassan’s blistering knock turned the tide, stick around for the full breakdown.
Bangladesh’s win wasn’t just another victory—it marked only the fourth time in T20I history that they’ve clean-swept an opponent. With explosive batting, tight bowling, and smart fielding, the Tigers dominated from start to finish. Let’s break it down step by step, with stats in easy-to-read tables, key highlights, and expert insights.
Setting the Stage: Series Context and Match Preview
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series in the UAE 2025 was a clash of styles. Afghanistan, known for their spin wizards like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, came in as favorites after strong showings in recent tournaments. But Bangladesh, fresh from the Asia Cup 2025, had other plans. They won the first T20I by 4 wickets despite a mid-innings collapse, and the second by 2 wickets in a nail-biter, thanks to Nurul Hasan and Shoriful Islam’s heroics.
Heading into the 3rd T20I, Bangladesh aimed for a rare 3-0 sweep—their first ever against Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series. Afghanistan, desperate to avoid a whitewash, shuffled their lineup, bringing back Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open. The Sharjah pitch, with its short boundaries and dew factor, favored chases, which played into Bangladesh’s strategy.
Toss time: Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali won and opted to bowl, citing the chasing template that worked in the first two games. The weather was clear, with no interruptions expected. Fans on social media buzzed with predictions—would Rashid spin a web, or would Bangladesh’s batters explode?
This match was crucial for both teams’ preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan needed to fix their batting intent, while Bangladesh built confidence after Asia Cup setbacks.
Toss, Playing XIs, and Sharjah Pitch Report
The toss went Bangladesh’s way, and they chose to field first—a decision that proved spot-on. Sharjah Cricket Stadium is a batsman’s paradise, with an average first-innings score around 150-160 in T20Is. But early seam movement and later dew make chasing easier. In this series, nearly 50 sixes were hit across games, thanks to the small ground.
Afghanistan’s XI saw changes: Gurbaz returned to open with Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal at No. 3, and debutant Bashir Ahmad in the attack. Full XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad.
Bangladesh stuck with their winning side: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali (c & wk), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Pitch report: Dry and flat, offering turn for spinners mid-game. Powerplay runs were low in prior matches (under 40), setting the tone for another bowler-friendly start.
Did the toss decide the game? Many fans think so—share your take in the comments!
Afghanistan’s Innings: A Rocky Start to a Modest Total
Afghanistan’s batting woes continued. Asked to bat, they aimed for 160+ but stumbled to 143/9. Their powerplay was dismal, a pattern from the series.
The openers started brightly, scoring 20 in the first two overs off Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed. But Shoriful struck, dismissing Zadran (7 off 6) caught behind. Gurbaz (12 off 9) fell next to a stunning catch by Shamim off Nasum. Tarakhil (11 off 13) was bowled by Saifuddin in the sixth over.
At 39/3 after powerplay, Afghanistan were in trouble. Atal (28 off 23) hit a six off Rishad but perished to Saifuddin. Omarzai (3 off 6) and Nabi (1 off 4) fell cheaply, Rashid (12 off 7) smashed a six but was caught off Tanzim, who also got Ahmadzai (0 off 1) next ball.
At 98/8, it looked grim. But Rasooli (32 off 29) and Mujeeb (23* off 18) added 34 vital runs, with boundaries in the death overs. Bashir (2* off 5) survived a drop.
Run rate: 7.15. Extras: 12 (wides 9 dominant).
Here’s the batting scorecard in table form:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | 12 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 116.67 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 28 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 121.74 |
| Wafiullah Tarakhil | 11 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 84.62 |
| Darwish Rasooli | 32 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 110.34 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 12 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 171.43 |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 23* | 18 | 4 | 0 | 127.78 |
| Bashir Ahmad | 2* | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20-1 | 2.1 |
| 2 | 24-2 | 3.1 |
| 3 | 39-3 | 5.6 |
| 4 | 73-4 | 10.1 |
| 5 | 81-5 | 11.3 |
| 6 | 82-6 | 12.3 |
| 7 | 98-7 | 14.3 |
| 8 | 98-8 | 14.4 |
| 9 | 132-9 | 18.2 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Gurbaz-Zadran | 20 | 13 |
| Gurbaz-Atal | 4 | 6 |
| Atal-Tarakhil | 15 | 17 |
| Atal-Rasooli | 34 | 25 |
| Omarzai-Rasooli | 8 | 8 |
| Nabi-Rasooli | 1 | 6 |
| Rashid-Rasooli | 16 | 12 |
| Ahmadzai-Rasooli | 0 | 1 |
| Rasooli-Mujeeb | 34 | 22 |
| Mujeeb-Bashir | 11 | 10 |
Why the collapse? Defensive mindset, as Rashid later admitted. Afghanistan’s powerplay scores: 33, 35, 39 across games—too low for T20s.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Masterclass: Saifuddin Steals the Show
Bangladesh’s bowlers were clinical, restricting Afghanistan on a batting track. Saifuddin led with 3/15, mixing pace and cutters to dismantle the middle order. Nasum (2/24) and Tanzim (2/24) spun webs, while Shoriful (1/33) struck early.
Their plan: Attack in powerplay, use spin in middle, contain death. Economy rates were impressive, with only Rishad (1/39) going for runs.
Bowling Figures Table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoriful Islam | 4 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 8.25 |
| Nasum Ahmed | 4 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | 4 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Mohammad Saifuddin | 3 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 5.00 |
| Saif Hassan | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6.00 |
| Rishad Hossain | 4 | 0 | 39 | 1 | 9.75 |
Nasum, Player of the Series, said: “The wicket was slow; I mixed variations.” Credit to fielding too—Shamim’s catch was a gem.
Rate this bowling out of 10 in comments!
Bangladesh’s Chase: Saif Hassan’s Blitz Seals the Deal
Chasing 144, Bangladesh cruised to 144/4 in 18 overs. Parvez (14 off 16) started with a six but fell to Omarzai. Tanzid (33 off 33) and Saif (64* off 38) added 55, with Tanzid hitting fours off Rashid and a six off Mujeeb.
Post-drinks, Ahmadzai got Tanzid. Jaker (10 off 11) survived LBWs but fell LBW to Mujeeb. Shamim (0 off 1) was bowled next, making it 109/4.
Saif exploded: 22 off Ahmadzai (3 fours, 1 six), then two sixes off Bashir (95m slog-sweep for fifty). Nurul (10* off 9) hit the winning six.
Run rate: 8.00. Extras: 13.
Batting Scorecard Table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parvez Hossain Emon | 14 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 87.50 |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | 33 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 100.00 |
| Saif Hassan | 64* | 38 | 2 | 7 | 168.42 |
| Jaker Ali (c & wk) | 10 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 90.91 |
| Shamim Hossain | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Nurul Hasan | 10* | 9 | 0 | 1 | 111.11 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24-1 | 4.1 |
| 2 | 79-2 | 10.4 |
| 3 | 109-3 | 13.5 |
| 4 | 109-4 | 13.6 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Parvez-Tanzid | 24 | 25 |
| Tanzid-Saif | 55 | 39 |
| Saif-Jaker | 30 | 19 |
| Saif-Shamim | 0 | 1 |
| Saif-Nurul | 35 | 24 |
Saif’s 7 sixes were game-changers. Was this his best knock? Comment below!
Afghanistan’s Bowling Struggles: Leaks and Missed Chances
Afghanistan’s bowlers couldn’t defend 143. Mujeeb (2/26) shone with a double-wicket over and a maiden, but others leaked. Rashid (0/13) bowled a maiden but no wickets. Debutants Bashir (0/38) and Ahmadzai (1/50) conceded 88 in 7 overs.
Dropped catches hurt—Tanzid’s sitter by Rasooli. Omarzai (1/12) was economical early.
Bowling Figures Table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4 | 1 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 3 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 4.00 |
| Bashir Ahmad | 3 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 12.67 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 3.25 |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | 4 | 0 | 50 | 1 | 12.50 |
Rashid post-match: “We played bad cricket… missed catches and defensive mindset.” How can they improve? Share ideas!
Standout Players: MVPs and Game-Changers
Saif Hassan (POTM): 64* with 7 sixes—his fourth T20I fifty, SR 168.42. Turned pressure into dominance.
Saifuddin: 3/15, key in restricting AFG.
Rasooli: 32, salvaged innings.
Nasum Ahmed (POTS): Consistent spin, 2/24 here.
Player Stats Comparison Table (Series):
| Player | Role | Series Runs/Wkts | Avg/SR/Econ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saif Hassan | Batter | 128 runs | 64.00/168 |
| Nasum Ahmed | Bowler | 6 wkts | 12.50/5.00 |
| Rashid Khan | Bowler | 4 wkts | 20.25/4.50 |
| Darwish Rasooli | Batter | 68 runs | 34.00/110 |
Who deserved POTM—Saif or Saifuddin? Vote in comments!
For more on Saif’s career, check our internal post: Saif Hassan Rise in Bangladesh Cricket.
Key Highlights and Turning Points
- Shoriful’s early strike: Zadran out, powerplay pressure on.
- Shamim’s screamer: Gurbaz caught brilliantly.
- Saifuddin’s double: Middle order crumbles to 98/8.
- Rasooli-Mujeeb stand: 34 runs rescue AFG.
- Saif’s 22-run over: Three 4s, one 6 off Ahmadzai.
- Mujeeb’s back-to-back: Jaker and Shamim out, brief hope.
- Saif’s 95m six: Fifty in style.
- Nurul’s winning six: Seals sweep.
- Rashid’s maiden: Rare pressure in 15th over.
- Dropped Tanzid: Costly miss.
Watch highlights: Cricbuzz Video.
Fan reactions: On Reddit, users noted AFG’s “pathetic powerplay” and BAN’s “crunch moments” wins. Which moment flipped the game? Tell us!
Expert Insights: What the Win Means
Experts hailed Bangladesh’s chase mastery. Mohammad Isam (ESPN): “Saif’s six-laden 64* wrapped it up.”
Rashid: “We missed opportunities… need mindset shift before World Cup.”
Jaker: “Bowlers made it easy… fans’ support huge.”
AFG’s issues: Batting collapses, fielding lapses. BAN’s strengths: Depth, confidence.
Historical: BAN’s sweeps include vs Ireland (3-0, 2023), Afghanistan (2-0, 2023), and now this. Rare for them—boosts rankings.
Predict ODIs starting Oct 8: BAN favorites?
Series Implications: Road Ahead
This 3-0 sweep is historic for Bangladesh, their first full whitewash vs AFG in T20Is. AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap It erases Asia Cup blues, showing maturity under Jaker.
For AFG, coach Trott must address powerplay intent. With World Cup looming, 8-9 games left to fix.
ODI series in Abu Dhabi: BAN momentum vs AFG’s ODI strength.
Will BAN dominate ODIs? Join discussion!
Check our preview: AFG vs BAN ODI Preview.
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
Social media lit up. On X (formerly Twitter), fans posted “Bangla Wash!” though searches showed mixed results—perhaps due to timing. Reddit threads praised BAN’s resilience: “Happy they’re winning crunch moments.”
Indian Express highlighted Saif’s form. Global fans: “AFG needs aggressive openers.”
Share your reaction—did BAN deserve the sweep?
Statistical Deep Dive: Numbers Behind the Win
Series Stats Table:
| Stat | AFG | BAN |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 434 | 441 |
| Wickets Lost | 25 | 14 |
| Sixes Hit | 18 | 25 |
| Powerplay Avg | 35.67 | 46.33 |
| Win Probability | 0% in decider | 100% |
BAN’s chase success: 100% in series. AFG’s batting avg: 17.36.
Compare to Asia Cup: BAN improved middle-overs control.
Tactical Breakdown: What Worked and What Didn’t
BAN: Chasing template, varied bowling, aggressive middle order.
AFG: Defensive starts, inexperienced pacers targeted.
Key tactic: BAN’s spin duo (Nasum-Rishad) vs AFG’s Rashid-Mujeeb—BAN edged it.
Lessons: Intent matters in T20s.
Player Profiles: Stars of the Match
Saif Hassan: 25-year-old right-hander, known for power-hitting. This knock cements his No. 3 spot. AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap.
Saifuddin: All-rounder, back from injury, lethal with variations.
Rasooli: Emerging AFG batter, showed fight.
For bios ICC Profiles.
Wrapping Up the Historic Sweep
In this AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap, Bangladesh’s dominant 6-wicket win sealed a 3-0 sweep—a triumph of strategy and skill. Saif Hassan’s heroics, Saifuddin’s wickets, and team spirit shone bright. Afghanistan has work ahead, but their talent promises a comeback.
Cricket fans, this series highlights T20’s thrill. Subscribe to IPL Star for more updates. Share on socials, leave reviews, and comment your ODI predictions!
FAQs on AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I Match Recap: Bangladesh’s Historic 3-0 Sweep
1. What Was the Final Score in the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I Match Recap?
In the thrilling AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap, Afghanistan posted 143/9 in 20 overs, with Darwish Rasooli scoring 32 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman adding an unbeaten 23. Bangladesh chased it down comfortably at 144/4 in 18 overs, thanks to Saif Hassan’s unbeaten 64 off 38 balls. This victory sealed Bangladesh’s historic 3-0 sweep over Afghanistan in the 2025 UAE series.
2. How Did Bangladesh Achieve the 3-0 Sweep in Bangladesh vs Afghanistan T20I Series?
Bangladesh’s dominant Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 3-0 sweep was built on consistent chasing strategies. In the 3rd T20I, they restricted Afghanistan to a below-par total with Mohammad Saifuddin’s 3/15. Saif Hassan’s explosive 64*, featuring 7 sixes, powered the chase. AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap Across the series, Bangladesh’s bowling depth and middle-order resilience outshone Afghanistan’s spin attack, marking only their fourth clean sweep in T20I history.
3. Who Was the Player of the Match in AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I?
Saif Hassan earned Player of the Match honors in the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap for his match-winning 64* off 38 balls. His Saif Hassan performance included 7 sixes and 2 fours, turning a potential wobble at 109/4 into a six-wicket win with 12 balls spare. This knock highlighted his growing prowess at No. 3.
4. What Were the Key Highlights of AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I in Sharjah?
Key highlights AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I Sharjah include Afghanistan’s powerplay collapse to 39/3, Rasooli-Mujeeb’s 34-run stand rescuing them to 143/9, and Saif Hassan’s blitz with a 95m six. Mujeeb’s back-to-back wickets briefly sparked hope, but Bangladesh’s chase was clinical, wrapping up the 3-0 sweep.
5. Why Did Afghanistan Struggle in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 3-0 Sweep?
Afghanistan’s batting intent faltered throughout the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 3-0 sweep, with powerplay scores under 40 in all games. In the 3rd T20I, drops like Tanzid Hasan’s sitter and leaks from debutants (88 runs in 7 overs) hurt. Rashid Khan noted a “defensive mindset” as a key issue, leading to their whitewash.
6. What Role Did Saif Hassan Play in the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I Victory?
Saif Hassan’s performance was pivotal in the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap, smashing 64* with a strike rate of 168.42. His 22-run over off Abdullah Ahmadzai and back-to-back sixes off Bashir Ahmad ensured Bangladesh’s six-wicket win, securing the historic 3-0 sweep.
7. How Many Sixes Were Hit in the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I Match?
Nearly 14 sixes lit up the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap, with Saif Hassan alone hitting 7. Afghanistan contributed 5 (including Rashid Khan’s), while Bangladesh added 9 in their chase. This firepower reflected Sharjah’s short boundaries, where the series saw almost 50 sixes overall.
8. What Are the Player Stats and Analysis for Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 2025 Series?
In the player stats and analysis Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 2025, Saif Hassan topped with 128 runs (avg 64), while Nasum Ahmed took 6 wickets (econ 5.00) as Player of the Series. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan managed 4 wickets but their batting averaged just 17.36, underscoring the 3-0 sweep’s one-sided nature.
9. When Is the Next Series After AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I?
Following the AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap and 3-0 sweep, the teams shift to a 3-match ODI series starting October 8, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh carries momentum, but Afghanistan’s ODI strength could make it competitive ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
10. How Historic Is Bangladesh’s Clean Sweep Over Afghanistan in T20I?
AFG vs BAN 3rd T20I match recap Bangladesh’s historic clean sweep over Afghanistan in T20I marks their first 3-0 against them and fourth overall (previous: Ireland 3-0 in 2023, Afghanistan 2-0 in 2023). In the 3rd T20I recap, it showcased their growth post-Asia Cup, boosting confidence for future tournaments.