When Bangladesh national cricket team clinched a two‑wicket win over Afghanistan national cricket team at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 3 October 2025, the country celebrated an unprecedented double triumph – the men’s side sealed a 3‑0 T20I sweep while the women’s side lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy in South Africa on the very same day.
Context: A Week‑Long Tour in the UAE
The three‑match T20I series formed part of Bangladesh’s broader tour of the United Arab Emirates, slated from 1‑10 October 2025. The itinerary also includes three One Day Internationals scheduled for 7‑13 October. Both boards – the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), led by President Nazmul Hassan Papon, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), headed by CEO Naseeb Khan – confirmed the neutral venue in Sharjah due to ongoing security concerns back home.
Day‑by‑Day Breakdown of the T20I Series
1 October – First T20I: Afghanistan won the toss, elected to bat, and posted 151/9. Bangladesh chased down the total with four wickets in hand, thanks to a quick‑fire 54 from Parvez Hossain Emon.
3 October – Second T20I (the decisive match): Afghanistan’s 147/5 featured a steady 38 from Ibrahim Zadran and a blistering 30 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz before a sharp catch by Rishad Hossain. Nasum Ahmed’s two wickets for 25 runs kept the pressure on. Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by Shamim Hossain’s 33, and the side edged past the target at 150/8 in 19.1 overs.
5 October – Third T20I: A 144/4 finish, highlighted by Saif Hassan’s unbeaten 64 off 38 balls, sealed a clean 3‑0 sweep – Bangladesh’s first ever series whitewash of Afghanistan in the shortest format.
Key Performers and Numbers
- Bangladesh’s bowlers took 12 wickets across the series, with Nasum Ahmed (2/25) and Shoriful Islam (1/21) leading the pack.
- Afghanistan’s top scorer was Ibrahim Zadran (38) in the second match; his strike rate of 102.70 showed consistency.
- The men’s side recorded three consecutive chase successes, a rarity for teams touring the UAE.
- Women’s ODI champion: Nigar Sultana Joty captained Bangladesh to a 37‑run win over Pakistan at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town.
- Fargana Hoque smashed 87 runs, while Salma Khatun claimed 3/28, earning Player‑of‑the‑Match honors.
Reactions from Coaches and Officials
Head coach Phil Simmons praised his squad’s mental resilience, noting that “handling back‑to‑back pressure situations in two different continents on the same day is a testament to the team’s depth.”
Afghanistan’s coach Jonathan Trott admitted the team will regroup, pointing to the need for more aggressive death‑over strategies.
Match referee David Boon ensured smooth proceedings, while umpires Ahsan Raza and Joel Wilson received commendations for crisp decision‑making.
Why This Double Win Matters
For Bangladesh, the twin victories reinforce its rise as a dual‑gender cricketing power. The men’s clean sweep improves their T20I ranking, nudging them closer to the top‑five globally. Meanwhile, the women’s triumph over Pakistan – a traditional rival – propels them up the Women's ODI ladder and boosts confidence ahead of the upcoming ODI series in the UAE.
The wins also have commercial implications. Sponsorship interest in Bangladesh cricket has surged, with several multinational brands reportedly in talks for multi‑year deals. Moreover, the BCB’s decision to replace the injured Shakib Al Hasan with Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain earlier in September appears vindicated.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Stakes
Both boards have slated three ODIs after the T20I series. Bangladesh will open the ODI leg at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 7 October, hoping to translate T20 dominance into the 50‑over format.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, is eager to bounce back. Their interim captain, Najibullah Zadran, hinted at a more aggressive batting order for the ODIs.
For the women’s side, the next test comes in the form of the World Cup’s Super Six stage, where they will face Australia and England – both powerhouses. Analysts predict that the confidence surge from the Cape Town win could be a game‑changer.
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh achieved a historic double win on 3 October 2025 – men’s T20I series sweep and women’s World Cup victory.
- The men’s side became the first Bangladeshi team to whitewash Afghanistan in a T20I series.
- Women’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty led a disciplined chase, underscoring the squad’s growing depth.
- Both boards view the outcomes as momentum builders for the upcoming ODI series and the later stages of the Women’s World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the double win affect Bangladesh’s world rankings?
The men’s T20I sweep nudges Bangladesh up two places in the ICC T20I rankings, placing them at #6, while the women’s 37‑run victory lifts the women’s side from #8 to #6 in the ODI rankings, improving seedings for the next World Cup round.
What does this mean for women's cricket development in Bangladesh?
The win showcases the depth of talent beyond the senior XI, encouraging greater investment in grassroots programs. The BCB has announced additional funding for women's academies, citing the Cape Town triumph as proof of return on investment.
Will Afghanistan make changes after the clean sweep?
Afghanistan’s board confirmed a review of their death‑over tactics and mentioned a possible reshuffle in the batting order for the upcoming ODIs. Coach Jonathan Trott hinted at a more aggressive approach to counter Bangladesh’s spin attack.
When and where is the next Bangladesh ODI series?
Bangladesh opens the three‑match ODI series on 7 October 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the second and third games scheduled for 9 and 11 October at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Who were the standout performers in the men’s series?
Shamim Hossain’s composure in the chase (33 off 22) and Saif Hassan’s unbeaten 64 in the final match earned them Player‑of‑the‑Match honors. Nasum Ahmed’s two‑for‑25 also proved crucial in restricting Afghanistan’s total.
