Bangladesh secured a 3-0 clean sweep against Afghanistan in the T20I series after Saif Hassan stitched 64* runs off 38 deliveries in the 3rd T20I game.

After being put to bat, Afghanistan struggled against the Bangladesh bowling attack, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Despite bringing back Rahmanullah Gurbaz as opener, and moving Sediqullah Atal to No.3, the team’s powerplay woes persisted. The pair managed only 39 runs in the first six overs, following scores of 33 and 35 in the first two matches.

Both the openers failed cheaply, and Wafiullah Tarakhil was also dismissed in the powerplay, leaving Afghanistan under pressure.

The middle overs saw little respite. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli went on to show some resistance in middle overs but their dismissal saw the fall of Afghanistan lineup.

Mujeeb did make some contribution in the end, scoring 23* runs which helped Afghanistan to put a decent total on the scoreboard.

Saifuddin bagged three wickets for 15 runs. Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan bagged two wickets while Shoriful Islam and Rishad Hossain completed their spells with a wicket each.

Chasing the 144 run target, Parvez Hossain and Tanzid Hasan opened the innings for Bangladesh, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman opened the bowling attack.

With a decent start from the openers, Parvez lost his wicket to Azmatullah for 14 runs. However Saif Hassan went on to smash fifty while Tanzid Hasan went on to score 33 runs before being dismissed by Ahmadzai.

Mujeeb picked two wickets of Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain for 10 and duck respectively. With Hassan and Nurur Hassan at crease, Bangladesh secured a win in 18 overs.

Saif Hassan completed the chase and remained unbeaten 64 along with Nurul Hasan (10*) runs.

Hassan was named as the Player of the Match. Speaking on the post match conference, Hassan said, “Happy to contribute to the team, hopefully we can continue this form. Last 2 years I have been trying to play like this and the plan was clear that I was gonna bat at 3 and I tried batting according to the situation.”

“All credit goes to the bowlers because this is a small ground and they have done well to restrict them,” concluded Saif Hassan.

After his impressive form, Saif Hassan has earned maiden call up for ODI format and will be returning to action during the ODI series between the sides.

The ODI series in Afghanistan vs Bangladesh tour will begin on October 08 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.