Bangladesh Face Afghanistan in Must-Win Asia Cup Clash
The Asia Cup 2025 has served up another tense encounter, and this time the spotlight is on Bangladesh and Afghanistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match is crucial, especially for Bangladesh, whose campaign hangs by a thread. A target of 155 was set by the Tigers, but questions remain over whether it will be enough against Afghanistan’s confident and in-form side.
Bangladesh entered the tournament with optimism after beating Hong Kong in convincing fashion. But that early promise faded quickly following a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka. That loss pushed them down to third in Group B, with a worrying negative net run rate of -0.650. Afghanistan, on the other hand, sit comfortably at the top of the group, with their net run rate soaring above 4.7. For Bangladesh, this game is not just about survival—it is their last chance to stay alive in the competition. Even then, qualification to the Super Four would depend on other results going their way.
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Batting, once again, has been Bangladesh’s biggest stumbling block. Against Sri Lanka, the top order fell apart, forcing Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain to dig in and salvage the innings with an unbeaten 86-run stand for the sixth wicket. That resistance, though commendable, only highlighted the fragility at the top. Litton Das, the captain, who had earlier struck a fine half-century against Hong Kong, is under pressure to lead from the front again. But today, the challenge is massive, because Afghanistan’s bowling unit thrives in these very conditions.
Afghanistan boast a spin quartet that reads like a nightmare for opposition batsmen: Rashid Khan, the talismanic captain; Mohammad Nabi, the experienced campaigner; Noor Ahmad, the talented left-arm wrist-spinner; and the rising youngster AM Ghazanfar. Together, they not only bring variety but also make full use of the spin-friendly pitches in the UAE. Bangladesh’s top order, already under scrutiny, will have to find a way past this relentless spin attack.
On the other side, Afghanistan enter this clash brimming with confidence. They have not only defeated Pakistan recently but also recorded back-to-back wins against the UAE in a tri-series. Their Asia Cup campaign began with a statement win—a 94-run victory over Hong Kong. What sets this Afghan team apart is their balance. Their batting is destructive when needed, steady when the situation demands, and their bowling is disciplined yet ruthless. Even when half their squad was rested against UAE in what was essentially a dead-rubber, the side still managed to win comfortably.
In Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh may feel they left 15 to 20 runs short of a truly defendable score. Historically, they have struggled to defend totals here, while Afghanistan enjoy a strong record at this venue, having won 12 of their 17 T20Is. The Afghan supporters in the stands know what’s at stake—a win here seals their place in the Super Four, ending Bangladesh’s campaign right then and there.
So, as Afghanistan chase 155, early wickets have already added drama to the contest. Bangladesh struck with a dream start, but whether that spark turns into a fire strong enough to defend their campaign remains to be seen. This is more than just a group game—it’s a battle of survival for Bangladesh and a chance for Afghanistan to stamp their dominance on the Asia Cup.
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