Tigers complete series sweep as Saif lights up Sharjah

Bangla Press Desk:  Bangladesh wrapped up a 3-0 T20I series sweep in dazzling fashion, chasing down 14 with six wickets and two overs to spare in Sharjah on Sunday — thanks to a breathtaking display of power-hitting from Saif Hassan.

Set 144 for victory, the Tigers made a measured start before Saif transformed the chase into a fireworks show. 

The right-hander blasted an unbeaten 64 off just 38 balls, launching seven sixes and two fours in a knock that oozed confidence and clean timing. 

What began as a composed innings soon turned into an exhibition of range hitting, as Saif dismantled the Afghan attack with effortless lofted drives and crisp pulls over the ropes.

After Parvez Hossain Emon (14) fell early, Tanzid Hasan’s run-a-ball 33 steadied the innings, setting the stage for Saif’s assault. 

Jaker Ali (10) and Nurul Hasan (10 not out) offered support, but it was Saif who dictated the tempo, bringing up his fifty with a towering six before sealing the win with another over deep midwicket — a fitting end to a dominant series for Bangladesh.

Earlier, the bowlers laid the foundation with another disciplined effort. 

Mohammad Saifuddin was exceptional, taking three wickets for 15 runs in his three overs, while Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib bagged two apiece as Afghanistan were held to 143 for nine.

Sediqullah Atal (28) and Darwish Rasooli (32) provided brief resistance before Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s unbeaten 23 lifted the total. But it was never enough against a confident Bangladesh side riding a wave of momentum and belief.

BP/TD