We’ve Played Really Well and Shown Great Character: Jaker Ali
The victory came after Bangladesh’s four-wicket win in the opening match, securing them a 2-0 lead in the series.
Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali credited his bowlers for “setting the tone” as the Tigers sealed the T20I series against Afghanistan with a thrilling two-wicket win in the second match at Sharjah on Friday, clinching the series 2-0 with a game to spare.
The victory followed Bangladesh’s four-wicket triumph in the opening fixture, giving them an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 148, Bangladesh endured a topsy-turvy innings before Nurul Hasan Sohan’s unbeaten 31 off 21 balls and Shoriful Islam’s late cameo guided them home in the final over. Despite the tense finish, Jaker reserved his highest praise for the bowling unit.
“It feels good. As a team, we’ve played really well in the last two games, and today we were more clinical. The bowlers set the tone — the wicket was better than yesterday — and we showed great character,” Jaker said at the post-match presentation.
Afghanistan’s openers gave their side a solid start, but Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained control to restrict them to 147 for 5. Shoriful starred with the ball, conceding just 13 runs in his four overs and taking a wicket before turning match-winner with the bat. His quickfire 11 off six balls, including a boundary off the first ball of the final over, sealed Bangladesh’s victory.
The chase began shakily, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim (2), Parvez Hossain Emon, and Saif Hassan (18) dismissed inside the Powerplay, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 24 for 3. Saif’s promising knock ended after a stunning catch by Sediqullah Atal off Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
A 56-run stand between Shamim Hossain and Jaker steadied the innings. Shamim counterattacked Rashid Khan confidently, while Jaker anchored with smart strike rotation and timely boundaries. However, Rashid trapped Jaker lbw for 32 off 25 in the 11th over, and Shamim’s attempted switch hit against Noor Ahmed backfired in the 15th, costing him his wicket for 33.
Bangladesh stumbled again when Rashid dismissed Nasum Ahmed (10) and Azmatullah Omarzai struck twice in the 18th over to remove Saifuddin and Rishad Hossain.
With 19 runs needed off the final two overs, Sohan kept his cool, launching Noor for a crucial six to ease the pressure. Shoriful then held his nerve in the final over, steering Bangladesh to victory with two balls remaining.
What's Your Reaction?
