BAN vs AFG Ball by Ball Commentary

4:33 PM IST That's all we have from this match! We look forward to your company on Wednesday, 18th September, for the 4th match of the tri-series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Do join us at 1830 local (1230 GMT) for all the action. Cheers!

4:29 PM IST Afghanistan skipper, Rashid Khan starts by saying that they recovered quite well after a sorry start. Praises the senior batsmen, Afghan and Nabi for taking the responsibility. Lauds the bowling of Mujeeb and tells that he bowled well in the last match as well but in this one, he was more accurate and hard to hit. He is happy to win the fourth game in a row against Bangladesh. Wants his team to take this momentum forward. Thanks the crowd for all the support before signing off.

4:25 PM IST MAN OF THE MATCH, MOHAMMAD NABI! He says that was a brilliant effort from his team. Adds that there was tension in the dressing room when they lost 4 early wickets. On asked about their decision of batting first, Nabi replies that the wicket looked good for batting and hence the decision. On his retirement from Tests, Nabi replies that he wants the youngsters to stand up in the red ball cricket as he wants to concentrate in the shorter formats. Smiles and cheekily complains that his skipper just gave him two overs but he is a happy man as the side has won the game.

4:20 PM IST Bangladesh skipper, Shakib Al Hasan says that they were brilliant in the first 10 overs with the ball. Admits that Afghanistan scored too many runs in the next 10 which cost them. Feels that they didn't bat well. Reminds about the no ball on which Asghar Afghan was dismissed and mentions that it changed the momentum. Tells that they wanted to be positive today but the result didn't go their way. Wants his team to cut down on extras.

4:14 PM IST Afghanistan bowled and fielding brilliantly. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the star for them, picking four wickets and also getting his best bowling figures in T20Is. Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib also played their roles effectively and altogether it was a good team effort by them. Presentation coming up...

4:11 PM IST This match started on a wrong note for Afghanistan. They lost their first wicket on the very first ball of the match and were reduced to 41/4 in the Powerplay. But the fabulous knock by Mohammad Nabi coupled with his 79-run stand with Asghar Afghan took their total to a challenging 164. In defense, they returned the favour to Bangladesh by dismissing their four wickets inside the first six overs and the hosts never really recovered after that. There was a partnership between Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman but that didn't take care of the asking rate much and eventually it was a task too big for the batsmen to follow.

4:07 PM IST A commanding performance by Afghanistan! They have once again got the better of Bangladesh and are quickly becoming a thorn in their flesh. This is now the 12th consecutive T20I win for the Afghans, the longest winning streak for ant ream in Men's T20I cricket, surpassing their own streak of 11 matches that they achieved between years 2016 and 2017. Also, they have now won each of their last 21 T20I match in Asia. What dominance!

4:04 PM IST OUT! AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 25 RUNS! Fareed has the last laugh in this battle. Once again he provides width outside off, Rahman rocks back and whacks it through the line. It's aerial and travels like a rocket but straight into the hands of Shafiq (sub) at sweeper cover. All over, a brilliant win for the Afghans.

4:02 PM IST FOUR! Rahman is on fire! He is connecting his shots quite well. Maybe, needs a promotion in the batting order. A length delivery outside off, Mustafizur skips down the track and smacks it over extra cover. The fielder runs behind but the ball wins the race.

4:02 PM IST FOUR! Connects and connects well. Another short ball by Ahmad, Rahman gets on top of the bounce and pulls it in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. Boundaries are coming too late for Bangladesh.

4:01 PM IST Slower short one this time, Rahman swings and misses.

4:00 PM IST SIX! Boom! Short in length and angling into the batsman, Rahman hangs on the back foot and pummels it over wide long on for a biggie.

4:00 PM IST Fareed Ahmad to bowl the last over.

3:59 PM IST Sharp googly. Around off and turns away. Taijul pushes at it from the crease and misses. 4-0-23-2, fine outing for the skipper!

3:59 PM IST Shortish and on middle, pulled in front of square leg for a run.

3:58 PM IST Shout for an lbw! Not given. Loopy delivery, landing on leg and spinning in, Rahman tries to heave it over the leg side but misses. He is pinged on the front leg, they appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Afghanistan don't have any review left. The replays later on shows that it was hitting leg.

3:57 PM IST Mustafizur Rahman, the last man for the hosts is in.

3:57 PM IST OUT! Bowled 'em! Rashid dishes out a flighted googly. He lands it full and outside off, Mosaddek is early into his attempted slog sweep and hence misses the ball completely. The ball though doesn't misses the stumps. End is nigh for Bangladesh.

3:56 PM IST FOUR! Good connection! Flighted ball around middle and off, Mosaddek brings out the reverse heave and nails it over short third man. The fielder chases but fails to pull it back.

3:56 PM IST Taijul Islam is the number 10 batsman.

3:55 PM IST OUT! Caught and bowled! Fine running catch by Rashid. A flatter delivery, full and around off, spinning away, Saifuddin kneels for a big slog across the line but it takes the top edge. The ball is in the air towards mid on, Rashid sprints back, keeps his eyes on the ball and catches it safely.

3:53 PM IST Slower one to finish the oveer. Mosaddek goes for the drive but gets an outside edge. The ball races to the third man fence but the third man fielder chases it down and saves a couple with the diving attempt. Superb commitment.

3:52 PM IST In the air, but lands safely. Saifuddin goes for the slog to this slower ball banged on middle. He mistimes it and the ball balloons high in the air but lands safely.

3:52 PM IST Slower one again and outside off. Mosaddek reaches at it and pushes through covers for a single.

3:51 PM IST Leg cutter outside off, Mosaddek looks to power it over covers but misses to get bat on it.

3:51 PM IST Good length around off, tapped towards point for a single.

3:51 PM IST Mohammad Saifuddin is in next.

3:50 PM IST OUT! Brilliantly taken by Zadran at long off. The slower one works for Naib again as Afif has to walk back to the pavilion. No heroics from him tonight. This is slower one around off, Afif looks to power it over the long off fence but is a bit early into the shot. Zadran does well to hang on to it, very close to the fence. The third umpire checks if he has touched the fence as he pouches it but he is well inside. Excellently done.

3:49 PM IST Wide! Back of length ball outside off. Afif comes down the track and hence Naib bangs it short. But too high and called wide.

3:47 PM IST Shortish one on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single.

3:47 PM IST Mosaddek opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. One run added to the total.

3:46 PM IST NOT OUT! Review lost for Afghanistan. Eventful ball, this. A flatter leg spinner around leg, on the shorter side, Afif stays back to work it around but misses. He is rapped on the pads, Rashid appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Meanwhile, the batsmen attempt for a run and Rashid picks the ball to have an immediate shy at the bowler's end. He connects and appeals again for a run out. Not given that time but now Rashid has decided to refer for the lbw. The Ball Tracker shows that it pitched outside leg. Also, the replays further finds that Afif was well inside the crease while completing the leg bye.

3:45 PM IST Referral time again! Afif is the batsman in question once more. He has not been given out lbw and Afghanistan has reviewed it. Let's find out in the replays.

3:44 PM IST GLOVED IT! Tossed up ball landing on middle and spinning in a bit, Afif tries the reverse-batted shot but fails to middle it properly. He is thudded on the pads, they appeal and the umpire agrees. Hossain is sure that he has hit it and goes for the referral. Snicko detects his gloves.

3:43 PM IST Afif Hossain is given out lbw! He has taken the DRS! Glove again?

3:43 PM IST DROPPED AND FOUR! A long hop on middle, Hossain rocks back and pumps his pull shot over the leg side. It's aerial and the fielder runs across to his left from deep mid-wicket. He dives full length to attempt for the catch but it bursts through his palms and goes on one bounce to the fence.

3:41 PM IST Flighted and on middle, worked in the gap at mid-wicket for a single.

3:41 PM IST Rashid Khan to bowl two out of the last four overs.

3:40 PM IST FOUR! This is wide and on a shortish length. Afif just helps it between the point and short third man fielders and the ball races to the third man fence. Important boundary this. 59 more needed of 24 balls, 12 of which will be bowled by Rashid.

3:39 PM IST Slower and wider on a fullish length, Mosaddek has to reach to it to push it towards covers for a single.

3:39 PM IST On the pads this time, worked through mid on for a single.

3:38 PM IST Fuller around off this time, Mosaddek pushes it left of Naib for a single. Bangladesh's total goes to 100 with that single.

3:38 PM IST Slower ball around off, Afif strokes it towards sweeper cover for a single

3:37 PM IST Good length outside off, slapped through covers for a single.

3:35 PM IST Shortish ball on middle, Afif goes for the slog but mistimes it. The ball goes high in the air. Rashid hares from deep mid-wicket to pouch it but can't get to the ball. Excellent bowling from Mujeeb as he finishes his spell with a 4-fer.

3:35 PM IST Quicker one around off, pushed towards point.

3:34 PM IST Shortish one outside off, Afif goes for the drive through the off side but can't get bat on ball.

3:33 PM IST OUT! Sabbir departs. Bangladesh in massive trouble now. Wicket number four for Mujeeb and this now is his best bowling effort in T20Is. Flatter one on middle, Sabbir needs quick runs as he plays this. He goes for the slog across the line but finds Naib at deep mid-wicket. Afghanistan are back on top again!

3:32 PM IST Shortish and spinning away from the heave of Sabbir.

3:32 PM IST Darts one on middle, Afif pushes it towards mid on and takes a single.

3:31 PM IST Mujeeb is back for his final over.

3:30 PM IST Shortish ball on middle, Afif drags it towards mid-wicket with his pull for a single. A good over for Afghanistan as they have got rid of Mahmudullah.

3:30 PM IST Shortish length around off, Sabbir pushes it towards cover and hares for a quick run. Rashid at cover has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Could've been close.

3:29 PM IST Another slower one around off, Afif strokes it towards mid off for a single to get off the mark.

3:28 PM IST Fullish one on middle, Sabbir works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

3:28 PM IST Afif Hossain is the new batsman. He was the star of the last match and Bangladesh once again need him!

3:27 PM IST OUT! Slower one has done the trick for Naib and the dangerous looking partnership has been broken. This is the slower one around off on a shortish length, Mahmudullah is not expecting it this time as he goes for the shot early. His bottom hand comes off the handle and he mistimes his shot in the deep at mid-wicket. Najeeb Tarakai makes no mistake. 75 runs needed off 40 balls.

3:26 PM IST Swing and a miss. Good length ball around off, Mahmudullah goes for the massive whack over the extra cover region but misses.

3:24 PM IST Quicker one on the pads this time, worked nicely towards square leg for a single.

3:24 PM IST Flatter one on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

3:24 PM IST FOUR! Reverse sweep this time. This is loopy ball on off, Sabbir goes for the reverse sweep and connects it well. The ball races to the third man fence.

3:23 PM IST Loopy ball around middle, Mahmudullah sweeps it nicely through square leg for a single.

3:23 PM IST Flighted ball around off, Sabbir drives it left off Rashid who shows some footwork to slow down the ball going into the fence. The long off fielder mops it off. Just a single.

3:22 PM IST Quicker one on middle, Sabbir can't get bat on ball as he was early into the shot.

3:22 PM IST Rashid back on!

3:21 PM IST Good delivery to end the over. Another slower one. Sabbir misreads as he goes for the shot early. The ball takes the leading edge and goes towards covers. They get a single. 50-run stand comes up between the current pair and that has kept Bangladesh on the track.

3:20 PM IST Fuller ball around off, jammed towards covers for a single.

3:20 PM IST Full toss around off, Mahmudullah times it through cover-point for a couple this time.

3:19 PM IST Good bowling. Naib takes the pace off from the ball and bowls it wide too. Sabbir can only pick up a single through mid off.

3:19 PM IST Fuller ball outside off, Sabbir is made to reach at the ball. He drives it uppishly over covers for a couple.

3:17 PM IST Sabbir Rahman gets a change of bat.

3:17 PM IST Good length ball around off and middle, Mahmudullah tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets off for a quick run.

3:16 PM IST Gulbadin Naib to bowl now!

3:15 PM IST Good length ball on the pads, Mahmudullah tucks it towards square leg off the inside half of his bat for a single.

3:14 PM IST Good length ball around off, Mahmudullah tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick couple. Good running between the wickets.

3:13 PM IST FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. Banged short outside off, Mahmudullah reaches out for the ball and times it over point for a boundary again.

3:13 PM IST FOUR! Width on offer outside off, Mahmudullah reaches out for it but fails to get it from the middle of his bat. It finds the outer edge and flies over short third man for a boundary.

3:13 PM IST DOT! Mahmudullah winds up for a big hit across the line but fails to make any connection.

3:12 PM IST NOT OUT! Janat lets out a full toss around off, Sabbir jumps out of the crease and forces it towards mid off. He attempts for a quick single and there is a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The fielding side appeals and it has been referred upstairs. The replay rolls in and the first frame is enough to tell that Rahman is safe. Also, one of the stumps is broken and they are getting it changed. Meanwhile, this delivery has been termed as a no ball for being very high, over the waist of the batsman. Free Hit coming up...

3:10 PM IST Run out appeal! It has been referred upstairs. Sabbir is found safe in the replays. The stumps though are broken and the umpires have called for a replacement.

3:09 PM IST In the air but lands safe. Good length around off, Sabbir looks to lift it over mid off but mistimes it. The ball goes towards third man. They pick a couple.

3:08 PM IST Magic spray is out for Sabbir Rahman. Maybe, he hurt his fingers in the previous over while attempting the reverse sweep. Karim Janat is into the attack now.

3:07 PM IST Flatter and shorter googly on off, Sabbir goes back and tucks it through mid-wicket for another run. 4 from Rashid's first! 59/4 at the halfway mark. 106 needed more off 60 balls.

3:06 PM IST Flatter and shorter on middle, Mahmudullah moves back and works it through square leg for one.

3:06 PM IST Turning down the leg side, Sabbir tries to sweep but fails to connect again. It goes towards short fine leg off his pads and they cross. There is a direct hit at the striker's end but nothing doing.

3:05 PM IST NOT OUT! There is the involvement of gloves. Rashid dishes out a flighted full ball around off, a googly, Sabbir tries to play the reverse sweep but fails to middle his shot. He is hit on the pads, they appeal and the finger goes up. Sabbir is quick to refer it and the Snicko detects his gloves.

3:04 PM IST Sabbir Rahman has been adjudged lbw! He has decided to refer it. Review time! Is there any part of his gloves involved?

3:03 PM IST Another sweep shot attempted by Mahmudullah. This time it takes the top edge and goes behind square leg for a couple of runs.

3:03 PM IST Tossed up delivery landing full on middle, it's swept but straight to short fine leg.

3:03 PM IST Time for some magic from Rashid Khan.

3:02 PM IST Reverse sweep this time. Fuller and tossed up one around off, Sabbir gets in the position for the reverse sweep and connects it well as he beats the diving short third man fielder. The ball goes towards deep point and they pick a couple.

3:01 PM IST Flatter one on middle, Mahmudullah works it towards square leg for a single.

3:01 PM IST Flatter around off, slapped through mid off for a single.

3:00 PM IST Superb fielding from the skipper to save a couple. This is on middle, Sabbir lifts it over the mid-wicket fielder. Ball is racing to the fence but Rashid hares from deep mid-wicket and saves a certain boundary.

3:00 PM IST Fuller one outside off as Nabi sees the batter shuffling across the off stump for a sweep. Rahman can't connect and is hit on the pads.

2:59 PM IST Shortish ball on middle, Mahmudullah works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

2:58 PM IST Another ball outside off, this time Mahmudullah stays in the crease and crunches it through covers. Just a single as they have a protection in the deep.

2:58 PM IST Smart bowling from Janat. He sees Mahmudullah coming down the track and bowls it wide. Mahmudullah can't connect.

2:57 PM IST FOUR! Nicely done. Fuller one on middle, Mahmudullah works it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

2:56 PM IST Fuller ball this time, Sabbir taps it towards point and takes off for a quick single. Good running. The point fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but he hits Sabbir instead with the throw. No extra runs.

2:56 PM IST Shortish ball outside off, Sabbir chases it for a drive but misses

2:54 PM IST The physio is out in the middle to check if Sabbir is all right. He is taking some time in the middle. Ready to go now.

2:54 PM IST Ouch! Sabbir is hit on the neck as he attempts a scoop shot. This is around off, Sabbir looks to scoop it down the leg side but can't time it. He looks in some pain.

2:51 PM IST Fuller again, Mahmudullah looks to block it down the leg side but gets an inside edge.

2:51 PM IST Fuller ball around off, worked through long off for a single.

2:50 PM IST Loopy ball on middle, pushed towards square leg for another single.

2:50 PM IST Flatter one on middle, tucked towards square leg this time for a single.

2:50 PM IST Quicker one on the pads, punches off the back foot towards mid on for nothing.

2:50 PM IST Ohhh! Huge appeal from the keeper but nothing from the bowler. Umpire signals wide too. This was a flighted ball which spun down the leg side to beat Sabbir's flick. Rashid thinks of the review but don't think Nabi is interested. Good decision as the Ultra Edge suggested there was no bat.

2:48 PM IST On middle, Sabbir goes for the reverse sweep on the first ball he is facing. Connects it well but can't beat short third man.

2:48 PM IST Mohammad Nabi to bowl after the Powerplay.

2:47 PM IST Good length around off this time, tucked right of the bowler who stops. No runs taken. Powerplay done and both teams have got off to an almost identical start with the bat!

2:46 PM IST Play and a miss! This time he goes for the massive heave over long off but can't get bat on ball. This was outside off on a good length.

2:46 PM IST EDGY FOUR! Good length ball around off, Mahmudullah goes to cut it but gets it from the inside half of the willow and through to the fine leg fence. It wasn't too far from his stumps.

2:45 PM IST On middle on a fullish length, Mahmudullah works it fine down the leg side this time to get a couple. Timed nicely there.

2:44 PM IST Fuller outside off again, Mahmudullah dances down to hammer it through cover but can't find the gap.

2:44 PM IST Starts with a wide fuller ball, Mahmudullah reaches to the ball to and pushes it towards mid off.

2:43 PM IST Sabbir Rahman walks in now with Bangladesh reeling. Karim Janat into the attack for the Afghans.

2:42 PM IST OUT! Trapped in front! Twin wicket in this over has forced Bangladesh deep on the back foot. Mujeeb hurls in a quicker one in the line of the off stump and gets it to skid back into the left-hander. Sarkar tries to keep it out from the back foot but the ball stays low and strikes him on the pads. They appeal and the umpire agrees. Sarkar knows that he is a dead duck and immediately walks back without even thinking about the review. Afghanistan on top!

2:41 PM IST On the pads this time. Mahmudullah flicks it towards square leg for a single

2:41 PM IST Flatter one, pushed back to the bowler.

2:40 PM IST Quicker one on middle and leg, Mahmudullah looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

2:39 PM IST Soumya Sarkar is the new batsman at number 5.

2:39 PM IST OUT! Rashid roars as he pouches this one towards mid on. The altercation before the start of this over between both the captains has certainly put off Shakib. He tries to dominate the bowler there but instead gets dominated. A shortish length ball, following the batsman down the leg side, Shakib hangs deep inside the crease for a big shot but mistimes his shot badly. It balloons high towards mid on where Rashid grabs the skier safely and is all pumped up. Bangladesh in all sorts of trouble early on. 134 needed off 94 balls.

2:38 PM IST Bangs one short around off, Mahmudullah pushes it right of Mujeeb to take a run.

2:37 PM IST Some war of words going on! It's between the two superstars. Rashid and Shakib are arguing about something and the umpire intervenes. The crowd is also getting into it. Not sure about the exact reason.

2:36 PM IST Fuller this time, Shakib pierces the mid-wicket and mid on gap and takes a couple to finish the over. This went from the inner half of the bat.

2:35 PM IST FOUR! That was not from the meat of the blade but good enough to get to the fence. Fareed bangs this one short, Shakib drags this one from outside off and slams it through mid-wicket for a fence.

2:34 PM IST Goes round the wicket and bangs one shortish ball around off, Mahmudullah taps it towards point. Najeeb misfields there and allows a single.

2:33 PM IST Fuller ball on the leg stump, Shakib looks to flick it off his pads but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.

2:32 PM IST Length ball closer to off, Shakib drags it through mid-wicket and gets a couple this time.

2:32 PM IST Fuller ball on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket for nothing.

2:30 PM IST Shakib shuffles back to get some room outside off but Mujeeb smartly bowls it around middle and leg, Shakib can only push towards mid off for a single.

2:30 PM IST Quicker one on the pads again, tucked towards mid on for a single.

2:29 PM IST Darts one on the pads, Mahmudullah can't push for a run as he is hit on the pads.

2:29 PM IST On middle, Mahmudullah goes for the sweep but can't connect it well. The ball takes the outer half and goes through square leg for a boundary.

2:28 PM IST Carrom ball around off, Mahmudullah blocks onto the pitch.

2:28 PM IST Well played! Flighted and very full on off, Mahmudullah paddle sweeps it down towards fine leg for a couple of runs.

2:27 PM IST Full in length and outside off, angling away, Mahmudullah gets forward with an angled bat and pushes it square of the wicket on the off side for a run. 10 runs and a wicket off the first over from Fareed!

2:25 PM IST Mahmudullah is the new batsman.

2:24 PM IST OUT! Rahim tries to be cheeky and pays the price for it. The off stump is disturbed and Fareed lets out a big roar in delight. A length ball landing around off, Rahim shuffles across the stumps to attempt for a paddle scoop but fails to middle his shot. It probably takes some part of his pads before going onto the stumps. 154 runs needed in 109 balls!

2:23 PM IST FOUR! Cracking shot! Fareed delivers it on a length and wide outside off, Rahim reaches out for it and drives it crisply through point for a boundary. The crowd certainly loved it.

2:22 PM IST Eases a full ball down towards mid on for a single.

2:21 PM IST Lands it on a length around middle and off, it straightens after landing, Shakib is a bit squared up in defense.

2:21 PM IST FOUR! Shot! Full in length around leg, Shakib takes his front leg forward and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

2:20 PM IST Fareed Ahmad to bowl from the other end.

2:19 PM IST Turning back into the batsman from around middle, Shakib again goes hard at it but fails to middle his shot. It goes off the inside edge to short fine leg and they take a run. Excellent first over by Mujeeb.

2:19 PM IST Looks to defend it off his front foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

2:19 PM IST Hangs on the back foot and punches it to the bowler.

2:18 PM IST Walks forward and helps it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

2:18 PM IST Shakib Al Hasan is the new batsman.

2:18 PM IST OUT! Early blow to Bangladesh and the crowd has gone quiet. A knuckle ball by Mujeeb around off, it lands full and straightens a bit. Das expects it to come into him and hence opts for a shot across the line over the leg side. But it catches the leading half of his bat and goes up in the air. Najeeb Tarakai is under that catch at covers.

2:17 PM IST Flighted and on middle, Das comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

2:15 PM IST Welcome back for the run chase! Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim are the openers for Bangladesh. Mujeeb Ur Rahman to kick off proceedings with the new ball. Here we go...