Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the Test against Afghanistan, finishing the third day with a 329-run lead despite captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim narrowly missing out on centuries.
Shanto was dismissed for 82, just 18 runs short of his 10th Test century, while Mushfiq fell for 81. The pair added 159 runs for the fourth wicket, putting Bangladesh in a commanding position. Shanto’s side ended the day with four wickets still in hand.
Shanto’s dismissal came as he moved forward to play a cover drive against Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad. The ball turned in and struck his stumps before he could respond. His disappointment was evident as he walked off and continued to show on his face in the dugout.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh wrapped up Afghanistan’s first innings within an hour of play resuming at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury shared the final six wickets, taking them within the first 61 balls of the day.
Hasan completed a hat-trick, becoming only the third Bangladeshi bowler to achieve the feat after Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi.
The hat-trick also helped Hasan claim his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He has taken 50 wickets in 17 Tests, making him the fastest Bangladeshi pace bowler to reach the milestone.
Ebadot ended Afghanistan’s innings by dismissing Mohammad Salim Safi. He celebrated the final wicket with a gesture resembling rocking a baby in his arms.
Afghanistan lost their final six wickets for just 29 runs and were bowled out for 240. Captain Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 105 off 216 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes.
Bangladesh began their second innings at 44 for two after 10.4 overs, with Mominul Haque dismissed for seven by Yamin Ahmadzai’s fourth ball of the 11th over, just as the lunch break was called.
Bangladesh lost their third wicket soon after the restart. Tanzid Hasan Tamim attempted to cut a delivery outside off stump from Ahmadzai in the 15th over but edged it to Shahidullah Kamal at slip. Opening batter Tamim scored 31 off 38 balls, including six fours. His opening partner Shadman Islam made 13, while Mominul scored seven. Bangladesh were reduced to 53 for three after 15 overs.
Shanto also survived several close calls during his innings. In the 14th over, he attempted a pull shot against Mohammad Salim Safi, prompting an appeal from wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil. The umpire turned it down, and a review requested by Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah showed that the ball had touched neither Shanto’s bat nor his gloves. Shanto had scored only two runs at the time. He survived another chance on five when he edged Ahmadzai’s delivery, but wicketkeeper Alikhil and the slip fielder were unable to reach the ball despite diving.
Shanto was also initially given out leg before wicket off Ziaur Rahman Akbar in the 27th over. He immediately reviewed the decision, and the replay showed that the ball had not hit the stumps. He had 11 runs at that stage.
Despite those reprieves and the missed centuries, Bangladesh finished the day firmly in control, with a substantial lead and four wickets remaining.
