Bangladesh emerged victorious against Afghanistan, securing a 2-0 series sweep in the second and final T20 International match, held at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (July 16). 

This rain-affected match marks Bangladesh's first-ever T20 series win over Afghanistan.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, along with captain Shakib Al Hasan, spearheaded Bangladesh's victory. A daunting bowling performance by Taskin, who claimed 3-33, coupled with Shakib's economical spell taking 2-15 in three overs, restricted Afghanistan to a modest 116-7 in the rain-curtailed 17-over game. Mustafizur Rahman further bolstered the bowling attack, taking 2-30.

Bangladesh's chase was as steady as it was strategic. Shakib's calm composure at the crease resulted in an unbeaten 18, while Shamim Patwari hit the winning boundary, catapulting Bangladesh to their revised target of 119-4 with five balls to spare.

Afghanistan's batting was defined by a resilient stand from Azmatullah Omarzai, who top-scored with 25. However, the middle order succumbed to Bangladesh's disciplined bowling post the rain break. The highest resistance was offered by a 42-run partnership between Omarzai and Karim Janat, the highest in the match for Afghanistan.

Despite the setback, Afghanistan briefly rallied with Mujib Ur Rahman taking the crucial wickets of openers Liton Das and Afif Hossain. Liton, the top-scorer with 35, and Afif's 24-run contribution formed the foundation of Bangladesh's chase, crafting a record opening stand against Afghanistan. However, Shakib's calm guidance in the final over sealed the match for the hosts.

In the backdrop of these T20I victories, it's worth recalling that while Bangladesh dominated the one-off test with a record 546-run margin, they had conceded the ODI series to Afghanistan 2-1. With this T20 triumph, Bangladesh have indeed bounced back impressively.

BDST: 0124 HRS, JULY 17, 2023
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