Bowlers, Saif combine to hand Bangladesh 3-0 win against Afghanistan
Rasooli and Mujeeb got Afghanistan to 143, but Saif's six-laden 64* wrapped the chase in 18 overs
Rasooli and Mujeeb got Afghanistan to 143, but Saif's six-laden 64* wrapped the chase in 18 overs
Commentator: Rashad Mahbub
The Bangladesh skipper Jaker Ali collects the series trophy and heads straight to his teammates to celebrate the moment! That concludes all the action from us today, folks. Thank you for staying with us throughout the T20I series. Do join us again for the ODI series, which starts on October 8th. Until then, this is Rashad Mahbub signing off. Cheers!
Bangladesh Captain, Jaker Ali: "[Post-Asia Cup Rebound] Yes, definitely, the boys managed to rebound after a disappointing Asia Cup, and the way they came back is truly amazing to see. [Team Performance] We are most pleased about the fielding. James Pamment has come on board as fielding coach, and we've done a good job as a fielding side. Our bowlers have done a really good job; they made it easier for the batters, and the batters also delivered. [Squad's Potential] All are capable. All are good players. They just need to believe that they are the best and that they can put up good performances on the world stage. I'm sure the team has those capabilities. [Historic Clean Sweep] Yes, it's a really great feeling because we know they have very good spinners. We prepared for that, and we took some preparation about batting and fielding. All credit goes to the boys. They noted everything very well, and everyone executed their job cleanly. [A Message to the Fans] Yes, they support us every time, anywhere in the world. So a big thanks to them."
Afghanistan Captain, Rashid Khan: "[0-3 Defeat] We played bad cricket, to be honest. And they played outstanding cricket throughout the series with the bat, the ball, and especially with the field. I feel that was the area where we were so much behind. We missed so many crucial catches, and catches win matches. Fielding was the area we were so far behind them, and that's why they won three in the series. [Batting intent] That's something which you need in T20 as a batting side. You have to have a positive mindset and intent. I don't think we have shown the attacking intent we are famous for. We played such defensive cricket. That's why we haven't had a good start as a batting unit throughout the series. We have a very good lower order that can give you those quick runs, but we haven't given them the opportunity and the time to express their skills. We always leave them with too many overs left to play. [World Cup Preparation] The skills and talent are there; there is no doubt. It's just about the mindset. We need to go in with the right mindset and right frame of mind. That's what is much needed. I think everyone is so skillful; it's just about reading the condition well and knowing what is important for the team and what the scoreboard requires. I feel like that is more important than having so many options around. The talent is there in Afghanistan; it's just about knowing how to use your skills and how to use your talent in different conditions and situations. We have only eight to nine games until the World Cup, and I think this is the best opportunity for us to get together and work as a team. [Young Players] They are the future of Afghanistan. They have done so well in the domestic region; that's why they are here. They have performed really well, and they have talent and skill. The more opportunity we give them at the right time, the better they will be. Bashir Ahmad is a very good bowler, and Abdullah [Ahmadzai] and Wafiullah Tarakhil have potential. They have a very bright future."
Player of the Series, Nasum Ahmed: "This isn't the only time I have bowled like this. I have performed very similarly, and maybe even better, against New Zealand and Australia. The pitch was on the slower side, so I wanted to take advantage of that and utilize variation in his bowling. That's what I aimed for, and was successful."
Player of the Match, Saif Hassan: "[3-0 Series Win] I'm happy to contribute for the team, and it was a very good series for us. Hopefully, we can continue this form. [Batting Style] I've been playing like this for the last one or two years. I'm just enjoying my batting, that's it. [Batting position] It's a critical position. Last tournament, I batted open, but Coach Phil Simmons gave me a clear plan before this series. He said that I'm batting at number three, so I worked according to that plan. [On the Bowlers] Our bowlers have been exceptional. You have seen this ground is a bit small, but they were restricting the opposition very well, bowling according to the field and according to the wicket. All credit goes to the bowlers."
Game Changer of the Match - Mohammad Saifuddin
sammy: "Does Saif batting stance reminds of Mahmudullah? " I will leave that for the viewers, Sammy.
AJ: "If Saif can work on his weaknesses against leg-spin, he can be a sought after prospect in franchise cricket. Tremendous hitter of the ball. "
CK: "Three different heroes in three matches for Bangladesh. This is a very good sign. Nurul remains unbeaten in all three matches.."
10:06 pm A historic clean sweep for Bangladesh, winning the T20I series against Afghanistan 3-0--their second Banglawash against Afghanistan and their first in Sharjah! The chase began with a positive start for Afghanistan, as Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled a maiden over. But the Bangladesh openers soon found their stride, although Omarzai struck early, forcing Emon to sky a slower ball to Rashid Khan. Saif Hassan got attacking straightaway, punishing loose deliveries with two big sixes in the Powerplay. Tanzid Tamim also found his rhythm, striking back-to-back boundaries off Rashid right after the Powerplay, but he threw his wicket away to mid-off shortly after being given a life. Saif, however, seemed to be batting on a different pitch, looking fluent and playing shots according to the merit of the ball. A brief moment of tension arose in the 15th over when Mujeeb struck back-to-back, dismissing Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain. But Saif showed tremendous composure in the middle, playing out a maiden from Rashid Khan and then unleashing massive sixes and boundaries to complete his 4th T20I fifty. Saif remained unbeaten with 64 runs off 38 balls. To be honest, except for that magical over from Mujeeb, it was Bangladesh all around, just like the series. Post-Match Presentation is coming up shortly.
Bangladesh won by 6 wickets
Khalid : "you have to question Rashid's decisions! after his final over, he should've brought Omarzai and not Bashir"
Rasooli and Mujeeb got Afghanistan to 143, but Saif's six-laden 64* wrapped the chase in 18 overs
The Bangladesh coach singled out the middle order and bowling line-up in his praise after they sealed the series against Afghanistan