Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in the 2nd T20I of their three-match series in the UAE. The game will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 3, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM IST. After Bangladesh claimed the first match with a confident chase, Afghanistan will be desperate to bounce back and level the series.
Match Details
Match: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I
Series: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE, 2025
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Format: T20 International
Afghanistan Team Overview
Afghanistan struggled in the opening game, with their top order collapsing to 40 for 4 before Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi lifted them to 151. Their batting will need more stability in this must-win game. Ibrahim Zadran has been their most reliable batter this year, while Gurbaz often provides fast starts. Darwish Rasooli and Mohammad Ishaq strengthen the middle order, and Nabi’s finishing power remains crucial.
The bowling attack is their biggest weapon. Rashid Khan once again showed his class in the first T20I with a brilliant 4/18. Noor Ahmad and Fareed Ahmad Malik add further variety, while Nabi’s off-spin offers control in the middle overs. Afghanistan will be relying heavily on their spinners to fight back in Sharjah.
Afghanistan Squad (T20I)
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Rahmat Shah Zurmati.
Bangladesh Team Overview
Bangladesh began the series strongly, chasing down 152 in 18.4 overs. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon hit fluent fifties, while Saif Hassan provides further stability at number three. The middle order, led by Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan, adds depth, with Shamim Hossain and Towhid Hridoy offering flexibility.
Their bowling is equally solid. Mustafizur Rahman continues to be a proven match-winner with his cutters in the death overs, while Taskin Ahmed has rediscovered good rhythm this year. Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain impressed in the first game with wickets, while Nasum Ahmed offers another spin option for Sharjah’s conditions. Jaker Ali remains the stand-in captain with Litton Das sidelined.
Bangladesh Squad (T20I)
Jaker Ali (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar.
Head-to-Head
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have played several close T20Is over the years. Afghanistan’s spin attack has often given them the edge, but Bangladesh’s balanced pace-spin combination has kept contests tight. In neutral venues like Sharjah, the battles are usually evenly matched, making this a highly competitive series.
Pitch Report – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Sharjah is balanced, with low bounce early on that can test batters. The shorter boundaries, however, allow clean hitters to dominate once set. Spinners and bowlers using cutters enjoy help in the middle overs. The average first innings score is around 157, with 160–170 generally considered competitive. Dew in night games often makes chasing easier, giving the toss winner an advantage.
Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed.
Probable Scenarios
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Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, with chasing conditions better under lights.
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Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Rashid and Noor Ahmad, could turn the game if Bangladesh’s top order stumbles.
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Bangladesh’s pace attack, spearheaded by Mustafizur and Taskin, will look to strike early and control the death overs.
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Batting depth will be decisive, with Bangladesh holding the edge after their solid opening performance.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan’s spin attack gives them a fighting chance, but their batting remains fragile. Bangladesh, with form on their side and strong balance between batting and bowling, start as favorites in Sharjah. If Afghanistan post 165+ while batting first, the contest could be tight, but otherwise Bangladesh are expected to win.
Prediction: Bangladesh to go 2–0 up in the series, winning by 5–7 wickets or 15–20 runs.