Bangladesh’s batting line-up has long been known for middle-order collapses, particularly in the lower middle order. Yet the team has also developed a reputation for clutch performances under pressure, snatching victories in tense situations. This characteristic was once again on display in the second T20I against Afghanistan, where Shariful Islam’s heroics sealed the series for Bangladesh.

Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh lost their way mid-innings, but a match-winning partnership between Nurul Hasan Sohan and Shariful Islam steered the team to a thrilling 2-wicket victory. With this win, Bangladesh secured the series with one match to spare, under the guidance of coach Phil Simmons.

The match was sealed in style by Shariful, who struck Azmatullah through long-on for a boundary off the first ball of the final over. Coming in at number 10, Shariful scored 11 runs off 6 balls, while Sohan held the other end with a responsible 31 off 21 deliveries.

Afghanistan batted first and posted 147 runs in 20 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers were impressive:

Shariful’s first spell was particularly effective, conceding only 9 runs in 3 overs and claiming the vital wicket of Gurbaz with a brilliant yorker in the death overs. Nasum and Rishad picked up 2 wickets each, while Saifuddin was economical, giving away just 22 runs.

Bangladesh’s chase began in disaster, with openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon both dismissed for 2 runs each, followed by Saif Hassan (18).

The middle overs saw Zakir Ali (32 off 25 balls) and Shamim Hossain (33 off 22 balls) stabilise the innings briefly, only for another collapse to occur. From this precarious position, Sohan and Shariful’s partnership guided the team to victory.

With this win, Bangladesh now leads the three-match T20 series 2-0, securing the series trophy even before the final match is played.