Afghanistan ended the three-match series on a high note with a dramatic 23-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller at Matiur Rahman Stadium. After losing the first two matches heavily, Afghanistan finally produced a complete bowling performance, led by a sensational hat-trick from Fazalhaq Farooqi that destroyed Bangladesh’s top order and sealed a memorable win.
Batting first, Afghanistan struggled throughout most of their innings against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran scored 16 runs each, while Mohammad Nabi remained unbeaten on 15 to help Afghanistan reach 69/9 in their 10 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Mustafizur Rahman delivering an outstanding spell of 3 wickets for 13 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Gurbaz, Najibullah, and Sediqullah Atal. Shakib Al Hasan also impressed again with 2 wickets for just 10 runs, while Bangladesh’s fielders contributed with multiple sharp run-outs to keep Afghanistan under pressure.
Despite the modest target, the match completely changed during Bangladesh’s disastrous start to the chase.
Fazalhaq Farooqi produced one of the most destructive spells of the series by ripping through Bangladesh’s batting lineup with a stunning hat-trick. The Afghan pacer first dismissed Litton Das before removing Saif Hassan on the next delivery. He then completed the hat-trick by trapping another batter immediately after, leaving Bangladesh in complete shock at 5 for 4.
Earlier in the innings, Parvez Hossain Emon had already fallen cheaply, as Afghanistan’s pace attack created total chaos with the new ball. Bangladesh never recovered from the collapse despite a fighting innings of 20 runs from Towhid Hridoy and 13 from Mahedi Hasan.
Afghanistan’s bowlers continued attacking relentlessly, with Abdul Rahman Rahmani and Azmatullah Omarzai also picking up key wickets. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 46 runs in 7.2 overs, handing Afghanistan a memorable consolation victory.
Farooqi finished with match-winning figures of 3 wickets for 23 runs in his two overs and was deservedly named Player of the Match. His unforgettable hat-trick became the defining moment of Afghanistan’s first win of the series and one of the biggest highlights of the tournament.