Afghanistan reached 211 for 4 in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346, trailing by 135 runs at the end of the day. Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 84 off 186 balls, while Abdul Malik scored 62 to keep Afghanistan in contention. Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain claimed two wickets, while wicketkeeper Litton Das made a significant contribution with two outstanding dismissals.
Rahmat’s composed innings included eight fours and a six, while Malik struck five boundaries, including a six, to register his maiden Test half-century.
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh’s Fightback
Bangladesh regained momentum shortly after the tea break when Litton Das took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss the well-set Malik off Ebadot Hossain. Malik departed for 62 after facing 120 deliveries, having played an important role in Afghanistan’s recovery.
In the following over, Litton completed an excellent stumping off Mehidy Hasan Miraz to dismiss former Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck. Shahidi lasted just two deliveries as Bangladesh claimed two quick wickets to put the visitors under pressure.
Despite the setbacks, Rahmat continued to anchor the innings with patient batting and occasional attacking strokes. He struck two boundaries off Nayeem Hasan before hitting consecutive fours against Mehidy in the 77th over to take Afghanistan past 200.
At stumps, Rahmat was unbeaten on 84, while Ikram Alikhil had scored 26 off 91 balls.
Afghanistan Pacers Dismiss Bangladesh for 346
Earlier, Afghanistan’s fast bowlers wrapped up Bangladesh’s first innings in just 8.3 overs, dismissing the two remaining batters. Mohammad Saleem removed Taijul Islam with a catch behind the wicket to complete his fourth wicket, while Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed Ebadot Hossain with a slower delivery.
Saleem finished with figures of 4 for 82, while Ahmadzai claimed three wickets and Ismat Alam took two. Afghanistan’s pace attack achieved a notable milestone, becoming the first fast-bowling unit to take nine wickets in a Test innings in Abu Dhabi, according to the supplied report.
Bangladesh’s innings had been built around contributions from Tanzid Hasan, who scored 83, and Shadman Islam, who made 67. Their performances helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total of 346.
Afghanistan Recover After Early Setback
Afghanistan began their reply cautiously and went to lunch at 34 for 1 after Sediqullah Atal edged Hasan Mahmud to first slip. Atal scored three boundaries before departing.
After lunch, Shahidullah and Malik attempted to accelerate the scoring. However, Ebadot broke the developing partnership when Shahidullah top-edged a hook shot in the 21st over. Hasan Mahmud completed a tumbling catch at fine leg to dismiss him for 20 off 44 balls.
Rahmat responded with a crisp cover drive and later struck Taijul Islam for a straight six. Malik also attacked Taijul before reaching his maiden Test fifty in the 34th over.
Bangladesh Maintain the Advantage
Afghanistan remain 135 runs behind Bangladesh, with six wickets in hand. Rahmat’s unbeaten 84 provides a strong foundation, but Bangladesh will aim to strike early and extend their advantage.
The next phase will be crucial for both sides. Afghanistan need a substantial contribution from Rahmat and the remaining batters to reduce the deficit, while Bangladesh will look to capitalise on their late breakthroughs.
