Bangladesh鈥檚 middle order has finally clicked and instilled some hopes as they helped the side beat Afghanistan by two wickets in the second T20I to secure the three-match series 2-0 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
With this win, Bangladesh maintained their perfect run in the shortest format, winning back-to-back series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and now Afghanistan 鈥� for the first time in an away series.
Three 30-plus contributions from Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, besides Shoriful Islam鈥檚 cameo, helped Bangladesh chase down 148 with two balls to spare.聽
The result was a relief for the Tigers after their poor batting performance in the recent Asia Cup led to a Super Four exit, where they failed to chase a modest 136-run target against Pakistan.
Coach Phil Simmons expressed both relief and concern after another nervy win.
鈥榃hen you keep winning close matches, you gain belief. But right now, it鈥檚 not good for our hearts. Our hearts can鈥檛 take this every time,鈥� Simmons said with a smile after the match, referring to another last-over finish.
Bangladesh also had a similar scenario in their opening game, where they had to recover from a mid-innings collapse after a 109-run opening stand to chase down 152, which they eventually won by four wickets in 18.2 overs.
Simmons said the two close victories showed the team鈥檚 growing belief and adaptability.
鈥榊esterday the openers showed what they can do, and today the lower middle order showed their ability. We want to play exciting, attacking cricket 鈥� and that鈥檚 what we鈥檝e been doing,鈥� the coach said.
Bangladesh鈥檚 chase in the second match was a roller-coaster ride with openers Tanzid Hasan (two), Parvez Hossain and Saif Hassan (18) falling early, leaving the visitors wobbling at 24-3 inside the Powerplay.聽
Then Jaker Ali (32 off 25) and Shamim Hossain (33 off 22) rebuilt the innings with a 56-run stand, countering Afghanistan鈥檚 spin attack.聽
Shamim attacked Rashid Khan with authority, while Jaker played a composed hand, rotating the strike, until Rashid trapped Jaker lbw in the 11th over, and Shamim鈥檚 reverse sweep against Noor Ahmad cost him his wicket in the 15th.
The chase faltered again as the visitors lost three quick wickets in a space of seven deliveries. Despite needing 19 off the final two overs, Nurul remained composed and struck a six off Noor Ahmad to alleviate the pressure, and Shoriful鈥檚 late cameo ensured Bangladesh鈥檚 victory.
Nurul finished unbeaten on 31 from 21 balls, which also rewarded him a spot in the ODI squad after a two-year hiatus.
鈥楯aker and Shamim started it off, and Sohan finished it for us. That鈥檚 what we ask our batters to do 鈥� whenever they get the chance, they must make sure to take responsibility,鈥� Simmons said.
The coach praised his bowlers for setting up the win, 鈥極ur plan for the whole series was just to bowl in the right areas. On this wicket, you need to bowl straight, wicket to wicket, and our bowlers did exactly that. The spinners in particular bowled really well,鈥� Simmons told reporters.
He also hailed the team鈥檚 improved approach against Afghan spinners.
鈥榃e played their spinners well today. That鈥檚 their strength, and at least today we handled it. Yesterday we couldn鈥檛 do it effectively, but today we were much better,鈥� he added.
The third and final match of the series will be held at the same venue today.