The T20 rivalry between Afghanistan and Bangladesh continues to heat up as both teams face off in the second T20I of their three-match series. Set against the backdrop of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the match takes place on Friday, October 3, 2025. With Bangladesh leading the series 1-0 and the T20 World Cup just months away, this contest holds great importance for both teams looking to fine-tune their line-ups and gain momentum.
Match Date, Time & Venue
The second T20I between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST, 02:30 PM GMT, and 06:30 PM local UAE time. Fans can expect another evening of cricket as both teams look to outplay each other on a ground known for high-scoring and closely fought encounters.
How to Watch AFG vs BAN 2nd T20I Live
Cricket fans around the world can follow the match through various TV channels and streaming platforms. In Afghanistan, the match will be broadcast live on Lemar TV, with online streaming available on the My Etisalat AFG app. Bangladeshi viewers can tune in via Nagorik TV or stream it digitally on T Sports and Tapmad.
Indian viewers won’t have a television broadcast, but can watch the match on the FanCode app and website. In Pakistan, the game will be available on the Tamasha streaming platform. For international viewers, the match can be streamed live on Styx Sports, ICC.tv, and the official YouTube channel of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
Recap of the First T20I
The series opener lived up to the hype, delivering a nail-biting finish. Bangladesh chased down a target of 152 to win the match by four wickets. Parvez Hossain Emon was the standout performer, scoring a crucial 54 off 37 balls to steer his team to victory. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan was in top form, picking up four wickets for just 18 runs, showcasing once again why he’s one of the most feared bowlers in the T20 format.
Afghanistan’s innings saw promising starts from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 40, and Mohammad Nabi with 38. However, the team struggled to convert those starts into a bigger total, leaving them slightly short on a pitch that rewards aggression and smart shot selection. The loss has raised questions about Afghanistan’s middle-order consistency, which they’ll be hoping to address in this crucial second match.
What to Expect in the Second T20I
With the series on the line, Afghanistan will be looking to bounce back strong. The Sharjah pitch is known for its spin-friendly surface and short boundaries, which creates a balance between bat and ball. Spin will likely play a major role once again, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad leading the charge for Afghanistan. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s pace duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will look to make use of slower balls and cutters, which are known to be effective on this surface.
Batting in the powerplay could decide the outcome of the match. If Afghanistan can break Bangladesh’s opening partnership early, they’ll have a real chance to take control. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will aim to build on their momentum and secure a series win ahead of the final match.
Key Players to Watch
For Afghanistan, all eyes will be on Rashid Khan, who continues to lead from the front with both the ball and his leadership. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive start at the top will also be crucial. Youngsters like Wafiullah Tarakhil and Bashir Ahmad, who were selected after strong domestic performances, may also have the opportunity to shine on the big stage.
Bangladesh will once again rely on their in-form top order, particularly Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. With regular captain Litton Das sidelined due to injury, Jaker Ali will continue to lead the team. Mustafizur Rahman, with his experience and variations, will play a key role in limiting Afghanistan’s scoring on the slow Sharjah track.
Full Squads for the Series
Afghanistan’s T20I squad includes Rashid Khan (captain), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Darwish Rasooli, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Mohammad Ishaq.
Bangladesh’s T20I squad features Jaker Ali (captain and wicketkeeper), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, and Mohammad Saifuddin.
What Will Happen?
With Bangladesh holding a 1-0 lead and Afghanistan determined to level the series, the second T20I in Sharjah promises to deliver another exciting contest. Both teams have plenty to prove as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, making this more than just a bilateral clash. Whether you’re watching from Kabul, Dhaka, or anywhere else in the world, this is one match you won’t want to miss.
