Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed Seal 2-0 Series Win

Bangladesh’s thrilling victory against Afghanistan in the recent T20I series showcased the brilliance of Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, ultimately leading to a comprehensive 2-0 series win for the home side. The match held in Sylhet witnessed a remarkable display of cricketing skills, with Bangladesh exhibiting exceptional performance both with the ball and bat. This article delves into the highlights of the match, emphasizing the key contributions of Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed in securing Bangladesh’s historic series win.

Bangladesh’s Pursuit of Redemption

Bangladesh’s triumph against Afghanistan not only marked their first bilateral T20I series win but also served as a redemption from their previous encounters with the Afghan side. In 2018, Bangladesh suffered a series loss in Dehradun against Afghanistan, and last year they had to settle for a tied two-match series at home. However, this time around, Bangladesh displayed their determination to set the record straight, and they achieved this by maintaining a flawless 2023 T20I record.

Taskin Ahmed’s Fiery Spell

Taskin Ahmed, with his fiery spell, laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s victory. Right from the start, Taskin showcased his skills and set the tone for the match. In the very first over, he dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s opening batsman, with a well-executed short ball. Taskin’s impressive performance continued as he claimed his 50th wicket in T20Is, becoming the third Bangladeshi bowler to reach this milestone after Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.

Litton Das and Afif Hossain’s Powerplay Dominance

Litton Das and Afif Hossain unleashed their batting prowess during the powerplay, propelling Bangladesh towards victory. Litton’s aggressive strokeplay took center stage as he welcomed Fazalhaq Farooqi with an exquisite straight drive and a swivel pull. The debutant Afghan bowler Wafadar Momand also faced the wrath of Litton, who hammered three consecutive fours off his bowling. This explosive partnership not only established a solid foundation for the run chase but also created a new record as the first Bangladeshi opening pair to achieve a 50-run partnership in T20Is against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Momentary Fightback

Despite Bangladesh’s dominance, Afghanistan fought back momentarily, causing a slight stumble in the chase. Rashid Khan’s tight over and Omarzai’s precise yorker led to the dismissals of Litton Das, Afif Hossain, and Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession. Bangladesh found themselves in a situation where they needed to maintain the run rate while also rebuilding their innings.

Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy’s Resurgence

Amidst the pressure, Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy exhibited exceptional composure and turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor. Hridoy’s boundary off Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s bowling after a 30-ball dry spell infused momentum into the innings. Shakib, the experienced campaigner, contributed with crucial boundaries and showcased his all-round prowess. His calculated aggression included a six off Rashid Khan’s bowling, bringing Bangladesh closer to victory.

As the game approached its climax, Towhid Hridoy departed after a valiant knock. However, Shamim Hossain stepped up and ensured there were no further setbacks for Bangladesh. With a powerful pull shot off Wafadar Momand’s bowling, Shamim struck the winning runs, sealing a remarkable series victory for Bangladesh.