DHAKA, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS) - A rapid half-century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim guided Bangladesh to 154-5 in their must-win Asia Cup clash against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today.

Bangladesh, viewing the total as defendable on a sluggish pitch, made the most of a quick start after captain Liton Das opted to bat first.

Tanzid led the charge with a 31-ball 52, smashing four fours and three sixes. His aggression gave Bangladesh early momentum, with 60 runs coming in the powerplay. His partner, Saif Hasan -- replacing Parvez Hossain Emon -- played a supporting role, scoring 30 off 28 balls before falling to Afghan skipper Rashid Khan.

After a bright start, Bangladesh slowed down considerably as the pitch deteriorated. Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad turned the tide with two quick strikes, trapping in-form Liton Das leg-before for 9, and removing Tanzid in his next over. Noor finished with impressive figures of 2-23 from four overs.

Rashid Khan also claimed two wickets for 26 runs, including the dismissal of Shamim Patwari (11), while Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with 1-19 in three overs. Although wicketless, Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled tightly at the death, restricting Bangladesh's late-innings acceleration.

After reaching 87-1 in the first 10 overs, Bangladesh managed just 67 runs for four wickets in the second half of the innings, as Afghanistan clawed back control.

With the pitch slowing down further, Bangladesh hopes their total will challenge Afghan batters under increasingly difficult batting conditions.