3 Reasons Why AFG Lost to BAN in the 3rd T20

Afghanistan’s campaign in Sharjah fell with a clunk louder than the sound a broken stump makes when struck by a bat. Having set the modest target of 143/9 on a slow surface, Afghanistan’s bowlers – generally the pride of Afghanistan cricket – could not defend that target and Bangladesh won by six wickets with two overs to spare. It wasn’t a complete rout but a chronicle of missed opportunity – while Afghanistan’s mindset was in the right place, their execution never synced up.

The Middle-Order Meltdown

Afghanistan’s batting was cruising along until it hit a roadblock at 80 runs. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli had reestablished some rhythm after a shaky start, exhibiting moments of intent along the way. But just when consolidation was needed, the middle order imploded dramatically. Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan fell cheaply, due to over-exuberance and questionable shot choice. From 73/3 to 98/8, it was painfully rapid and sad. Mohammad Saifuddin (3/15) and Nasum Ahmed (2/24) took advantage of the inability of Afghanistan to rotate strike or reform partnerships. When the engine room stalled, even Mujeeb’s cameo of 23 could not refuel the tank.

Saif Hassan’s Storm of Sixes

When the Afghan players began their chase, the game seemed to be Afghanistan’s to turn around. An early squeeze from Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and for a moment, it looked like they could pull it off. Mujeeb got two wickets, and Rashid weaved a magical spell for 13 runs, and they had Bangladesh at 79/2 with some pressure. Then Saif Hassan entered as the bedrock of Bangladesh’s batting storm, and his 64 not out off 38 balls turned the chase into a demolition job. Saif hit seven sixes, and the Afghanistan fielders turned to mere watchers. The assault on Bashir Ahmad and Ahmadzai, who gave away a combined 88 runs in seven overs, was the knockout punch. It was not just power but calculated violence.

The Bowling Balance Gone Wrong

On paper, Afghanistan’s bowling attack looked intimidating. On the field, they looked disjointed. Rashid Khan looked like a general with no soldiers in the trenches with him. Mujeeb and Omarzai were decent, but everyone else, especially Bashir Ahmad (0/38) and Ahmadzai (1/50), hemorrhaged runs like open wounds. The rationale for bowling Bashir in power play and having Rashid for the middle overs completely backfired. Rather than utilizing pressure to create mistakes, they simply allowed Bangladesh easy boundaries early in the innings. Their lack of options at the death was exacerbated; no yorkers, no nasty slower-balls—just pace and punishment for mistakes. It was a strategic blunder where Rashid was left with sharp spells in the midst of mediocrity.

In the end, Afghanistan’s 143 was not a bad score, but their execution was abysmal. The batting collapse, inability to contain Saif Hassan, and the debatable bowling tactics turned what should have been an exciting finish into a comfortable victory for Bangladesh. 

FAQs

1. What was the final result of the 3rd T20I between Afghanistan and Bangladesh?

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by six wickets with 12 balls remaining.

2. What was the main reason behind Afghanistan’s defeat?

A costly middle-order collapse left Afghanistan with an under-par total of 143.

3. Who was the standout performer for Bangladesh in the match?

Saif Hassan stole the show with an unbeaten 64 off 38 balls.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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