Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to face off in the 3rd T20I of their three-match series in the UAE. The final game will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM IST (7:30 PM PST). Having already clinched the series 2–0, Bangladesh will be eyeing a clean sweep, while Afghanistan will be eager to restore pride with a consolation win.
Match Details
Match: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I
Series: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE, 2025
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM IST / 7:30 PM PST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Format: T20 International
Afghanistan Team Overview
Afghanistan have struggled throughout the series, losing both games despite flashes of individual brilliance. Their batting has been inconsistent—starts from openers Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran have not been converted into big scores. Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains their standout performer with 70 runs so far, providing stability at the top.
The middle order has failed to accelerate, leaving Afghanistan short of par totals. Players like Darwish Rasooli and Mohammad Nabi will need to step up to give their bowlers something to defend in the series finale.
On the bowling front, Afghanistan’s strength lies in their spin attack. Rashid Khan, the captain, has been exceptional with 6 wickets in two games, while Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have supported him well. However, their pacers have struggled to contain runs at the death, an area that needs improvement in Sharjah’s conditions.
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 have been outstanding in this series, showing both composure and depth. They’ve already secured a 2–0 lead, with their captain Jaker Ali leading from the front. The top order has done its job, with Parvez Hossain Emon (56 runs) and Saif Hassan providing key partnerships. The middle order, featuring Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, and Towhid Hridoy, has ensured that Bangladesh chase or defend with confidence.
In the bowling department, Rishad Hossain has impressed with 4 wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have used their variations effectively. Bangladesh’s spinners, including Nasum Ahmed, have controlled the middle overs, and their overall balance gives them the edge heading into the final game.
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
Bangladesh have dominated the recent T20I meetings between the two sides, winning four of the last five games. Afghanistan’s spinners have historically caused problems, but Bangladesh’s more balanced attack and deeper batting have made the difference in this series. Sharjah’s neutral conditions usually make contests close, but Bangladesh’s adaptability has given them the upper hand so far.
Pitch Report – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The surface at Sharjah has been slow and spin-friendly, especially as the series has progressed. The ball grips slightly, making stroke play difficult in the middle overs. Batters who settle early can still score freely thanks to shorter boundaries, but acceleration in the final overs has been tricky.
The average first innings score is around 155–160, with 165+ being a competitive total. Dew later in the night often aids the chasing side, so captains prefer to bowl first after winning the toss. Expect another low-to-mid scoring contest with spinners dominating.
Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad
Bangladesh: Jaker Ali, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain
Probable Scenarios
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The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first to take advantage of dew and easier chasing conditions.
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Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Rashid and Noor Ahmad, will try to put pressure on Bangladesh’s top order early.
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Bangladesh’s seamers, especially Mustafizur and Taskin, will target Afghanistan’s middle order, which has failed to finish strongly.
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If Afghanistan can post around 165+, they’ll have a fighting chance, but anything below 150 could be chased down easily by Bangladesh’s confident lineup.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan will be determined to finish the series on a high, but Bangladesh’s form and balance make them strong favorites again. Unless Afghanistan’s top order fires and their spinners deliver a near-perfect performance, Bangladesh are likely to complete a whitewash in Sharjah.
Prediction: Bangladesh to win the 3rd T20I by 6–8 wickets or around 20 runs.