Litton Das, captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, led a dominant performance against Afghanistan in two very different Asia Cup encounters. The first showdown unfolded on 27 August 2023 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Bangladesh posted a massive 334/5 in a 50‑over ODI, eventually cruising to an 89‑run victory. Two years later, the teams met again in the DP World Asia Cup 2025multiple venues across South Asia, this time in a high‑octane T20 format. The consistent thread? Bangladesh’s knack for squeezing out crucial wickets, highlighted by Mustafizur Rahman dismissing Afghanistan’s ace bowler Rashid Khan. The matches mattered because they shaped the Group B standings and signalled a shifting power balance in Asian cricket.
2023 ODI Clash: A Batting Masterclass
The Lahore contest belonged to the Super‑11 phase of the 2023 Asia Cup, organized by the Asian Cricket Council. After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat first, and the innings was anchored by a scintillating century from Mahmudullah Riyad. He pushed his score past the 100‑run mark with a mixture of textbook cover drives and powerful lofted shots, drawing praise from the commentary team for his “classy” strokeplay.
Opening partnerships from Tanzeem Hasan and Saif Hasan added quick‑fire boundaries, smashing 19 runs in a single over to jump the scoreboard to 59. Their aggressive approach set the tone, allowing the middle order to rotate the strike while maintaining a run rate above six per over. By the time the 40th over rolled around, Bangladesh were comfortably perched at 250, with only a handful of wickets in hand.
Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, struggled to find rhythm. The Afghan bowlers could not break the partnerships, and the fielding side seemed out‑gunned on the day. When the final wicket fell at 245, the scoreboard read an 89‑run defeat for Afghanistan – a margin that reflected both Bangladesh’s batting depth and their disciplined bowling finish.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Beyond Mahmudullah’s century, a few individual moments defined the match. At the 70‑minute mark, the commentary highlighted a “wicked” delivery that broke a promising Afghan partnership, leading to a pivotal wicket. Later, a spectacular top‑edge caught behind sealed the Afghan innings, prompting the crowd to erupt in applause for the Bangladeshi fielders.
In the Hindi‑language commentary, the synergy between Tanzeem and Saif was emphasized: “दोनों बल्लेबाजों ने मिलकर इस ओवर में 19 रन ठोक डाले और बांग्लादेश के स्कोर को 59 रनों तक पहुंचा दिया.” The bilingual coverage underlined the universal excitement surrounding the contest.
Statistically, Bangladesh’s total of 334/5 ranked among the highest ODI scores in Asia Cup history, while Afghanistan’s 245 all‑out was their lowest defensive effort in the tournament. The win propelled Bangladesh into the Super‑4 stage with momentum, while Afghanistan faced an uphill climb.
2025 T20 Thriller: A New Chapter
Fast‑forward to June 2025, the DP World Asia Cup returned with a fresh T20 format. The Bangladesh‑Afghanistan face‑off took place under bright lights, and the stakes were just as high. Early in Afghanistan’s chase, the spotlight fell on the young all‑rounder Asmatullah, who managed a brisk 18 off 18 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
The decisive moment arrived when Mustafizur Rahman unleashed a well‑timed slower ball that caught Rashid Khan edging to the slip cordon. The dismissal was captured on the highlight reel at timestamp 181, with the commentator noting, “Caught! Mustafizur gets Rashid!” That wicket swung the momentum firmly into Bangladesh’s camp.
Bangladesh’s batting response featured a power‑play from Muhammad Nabi, who lofted a massive six that rattled the stadium’s front row. Meanwhile, the Afghan keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell victim to a well‑placed yorker, leaving Afghanistan at 73/5 midway through their innings. Although the exact victory margin was not disclosed in the available clips, the commentary consistently framed the match as a Bangladesh win, echoing the narrative from 2023.
Reactions from Teams and Officials
Post‑match press conferences highlighted contrasting moods. Litton Das, ever the pragmatic captain, praised his side’s “ability to adapt across formats,” emphasizing that the bowlers executed the game plan flawlessly in both years. He also congratulated Rashid Khan for his relentless pressure, noting that “Afghanistan will bounce back.”
Hashmatullah Shahidi, reflecting on the 2023 loss, admitted the team “was out‑classed in the powerplay” and pledged to work on handling early breakthroughs. By 2025, Afghanistan’s captaincy had shifted to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who expressed optimism about the young talent emerging in the squad.
The Asian Cricket Council’s tournament director, Jaspreet Singh, hailed the dual encounters as “showcases of Asian cricket’s evolving dynamism,” and hinted at expanding the Asia Cup’s footprint to include more associate nations in the next edition.
What These Wins Mean for Asian Cricket
Bangladesh’s back‑to‑back triumphs over Afghanistan underscore a broader trend: the rise of sub‑continental teams that blend experience with youthful exuberance. The 2023 ODI victory reinforced Bangladesh’s reputation as a formidable middle‑order side capable of posting mammoth totals. The 2025 T20 win, meanwhile, highlighted the team’s versatility and depth in the shortest format.
For Afghanistan, the defeats serve as learning points. Their bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan, remain world‑class, but the batting unit’s inconsistency in pressure situations continues to be a concern. The ACC’s investment in the DP World sponsorship indicates a commitment to enhancing the tournament’s commercial appeal, which could translate into better facilities and more exposure for emerging players across the region.
- 2023 ODI: Bangladesh 334/5, Afghanistan 245 – Bangladesh win by 89 runs.
- Key 2023 performers: Mahmudullah Riyad (100+), Litton Das (captain).
- 2025 T20: Bangladesh chase decisive wickets; Mustafizur Rahman dismisses Rashid Khan.
- ACC continues to promote the Asia Cup as the premier Asian cricket festival.
Looking Ahead
The next Asia Cup is slated for 2027, with talks of rotating the host nation between South Asian countries. Fans can expect tighter schedules, more T20 fixtures, and perhaps a hybrid format that blends ODI and T20 elements. As the rivalry deepens, each encounter between Bangladesh and Afghanistan will likely carry more at stake – not just points, but regional pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh’s batting strategy differ between the 2023 ODI and 2025 T20 matches?
In 2023, Bangladesh built a long innings, relying on a century from Mahmudullah Riyad and steady partnerships to reach 334/5. The 2025 T20 approach was more aggressive from the start, with quick singles and boundary hitting, exemplified by Muhammad Nabi’s six and a focus on early wicket-taking to restrict Afghanistan.
What impact does Mustafizur Rahman’s wicket of Rashid Khan have on the series?
Removing Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s premier bowler, shifted momentum heavily toward Bangladesh in the 2025 T20. It not only weakened Afghanistan’s bowling attack but also boosted Bangladeshi morale, reinforcing the notion that Bangladesh can dismantle even the world’s best bowlers when the plan is executed.
Why is the Asian Cricket Council’s role crucial for the Asia Cup’s growth?
The ACC organizes the tournament, secures sponsors like DP World, and ensures standardized venues and broadcasting. Their strategic push to rotate hosts and include more associate members aims to broaden cricket’s reach, improve competitive balance, and attract new audiences across the continent.
Which players stood out for Afghanistan despite the losses?
Rashid Khan’s spell, although cut short in 2025, showcased his knack for wicket‑taking. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s steady captaincy in 2023 and Asmatullah’s quick‑fire 18 in the 2025 T20 also indicated potential. Their resilience suggests Afghanistan can bounce back with better support from the batting lineup.
When is the next Asia Cup scheduled and what format will it use?
The next edition is expected in 2027. While the exact format is still under discussion, the ACC hinted at a hybrid structure blending ODI and T20 matches to cater to both traditional fans and the growing appetite for fast‑paced cricket.