Shoriful helps Bangladesh edge Afghanistan to clinch T20I series

Bangladesh secured a narrow two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, sealing the three-match series with one game to spare.

Shoriful Islam delivered a decisive all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 11 from six balls and bowling figures of 1 for 13 in four overs. His contribution earned him the player of the match award.

Nurul Hasan remained not out on 31, guiding the chase as Bangladesh reached the 148-run target with five balls to spare, finishing on 150 for 8 in 19.1 overs.

Earlier, Afghanistan posted 147 for 5 after being put in to bat. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 38 off 37 deliveries, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 30. Shoriful and Nasum Ahmed (2 for 25) helped restrict Afghanistan’s middle order.

In reply, Bangladesh suffered an early collapse, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Shamim Hossain (33) and Jaker Ali (32) steadied the innings with a fourth-wicket stand worth 56 runs.

Rashid Khan claimed two wickets, but Afghanistan could not capitalise on late breakthroughs.

Azmatullah Omarzai was the most successful Afghan bowler, taking 4 for 23 in 3.1 overs. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the defeat.