'Haven't played type of cricket we are famous for...': Gutted Rashid Khan blames teammates after Afghanistan's 8-run defeat against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan blamed his teammates for playing poorly during their second league game against Bangladesh at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and the Litton Das-led side defeated them by eight runs to stay in contention for the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025.

Rashid, who scored 20 off 11 against Bangladesh, believes that they played some irresponsible shots and they have let a lot of pressure build on themselves.

"We were in the game till the end but couldn't finish it off. 30 off 18 balls was very gettable. We haven't played the type of cricket we are famous for - attacking cricket. We let a lot of pressure build on ourselves. The way we came back with the ball to restrict them under 160 was special, but with the batting we played some irresponsible shots" said Rashid Khan in the post-match presentation.

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Afghanistan who were coming after a dominating win against Hong Kong in their tournament opener, will now face Sri Lanka for their third Group Stage clash, which will take place at the same venue. Rashid said that the side will come well prepared against Sri Lanka for their last Group Stage clash.

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"In T20 sometimes the opposition take the game away in the first six overs, but then you have to come back. Lots of learning for us from this game. In the Asia Cup each game is important. We need to be well prepared for Sri Lanka, it will be a big challenge for us" Rashid also said.

Group B qualification scenario

The qualification depends on Afghanistan's last Group Stage clash against Sri Lanka. If the Rashid Khan-led side defeats the 2022 Asia Cup winners, they will qualify for the Super Four. If Afghanistan beats Sri Lanka, both Bangladesh and Afghanistan will tie on four points and Afghanistan will qualify with whoever finishes with a higher NRR among Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. For Sri Lanka's NRR to finish below Bangladesh, they have to lose by around 70 runs/50 balls to spare against Afghanistan.