Jaker credits bowlers, fielding unit as Bangladesh seal historic series win

Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali lauded his bowlers and the team's improved fielding standards after the Tigers completed a historic 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan in Sharjah on Sunday — their first-ever clean sweep against the Afghans in the format and the hosts' first bilateral T20I series defeat in the UAE since 2015.

Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh's attack once again set the tone, restricting Afghanistan to 143 for nine. Mohammad Saifuddin (3-15) and Nasum Ahmed (2-18) starred with the ball, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with two wickets as the Tigers' bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout.

Jaker, who has overseen the side's resurgence following a disappointing Asia Cup campaign, was full of praise for the team's collective effort.
"Yes, definitely, the boys managed to rebound after a disappointing Asia Cup, and the way they came back is truly amazing to see," Jaker said at the post-match presentation. "We are most pleased about the fielding. James Pamment has come on board as fielding coach, and we've done a good job as a fielding side. Our bowlers have done a really good job; they made it easier for the batters, and the batters also delivered."

Chasing 144, in-form batter Saif Hassan continued his purple patch, smashing an unbeaten 38-ball 64 with seven towering sixes and two fours to guide Bangladesh home with two overs to spare. He shared a 55-run stand with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim (33 off 33), while Nurul Hasan Sohan hit the winning runs to seal another convincing victory.

Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman briefly threatened to tilt the game back with two wickets in one over, removing Jaker and Shamim Hossain, but Saif's composure ensured there were no late stumbles.

Reflecting on the team's progress, Jaker added: "All are capable. They just need to believe that they are the best and that they can put up good performances on the world stage. I'm sure the team has those capabilities."

On the historic whitewash, he said, "It's a really great feeling because we know they have very good spinners. We prepared for that, and we took preparation about batting and fielding. All credit goes to the boys. They noted everything very well and executed their job cleanly."

Jaker also took a moment to thank supporters: "They support us every time, anywhere in the world. So a big thanks to them."