Afghanistan frustrated Bangladesh with a remarkable rearguard effort to secure a draw in the Abu Dhabi Test, despite being set a record target of 479 runs and losing three wickets before the final day.
Afghanistan finished at 346 for eight, with two wickets in hand, to deny Bangladesh a victory in their first Test at a neutral venue against Afghanistan. The result was particularly disappointing for Bangladesh, who had taken control of the match by the end of the third day and entered the final day expecting to close out a win.
Afghanistan’s resistance was aided by missed opportunities in the field. After dismissing Sediqullah Atal, Bangladesh still had 21 overs remaining, but failed to capitalise on several chances that could have increased the pressure on the visitors.
In the 122nd over of Afghanistan’s second innings, Bangladesh missed two consecutive run-out opportunities. Hasan Mahmud then dropped a catch off Qais Ahmad at deep midwicket in the 131st over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Yamin Ahmadzai in the 137th over, but by then little time remained. Qais and Zia-ur-Rehman saw out the rest of the day, with Qais unbeaten on 49 off 80 balls and Zia not out on nought after facing 12 deliveries.
Bangladesh had to wait 163 balls for their first wicket on the final day. Afghanistan resumed at 132 for three, and Bangladesh soon had an opportunity to strike when Tanzid Tamim failed to hold a short-leg catch off Mehidy Hasan Miraz with Atal on 37.
Atal made the most of the reprieve, gradually becoming the biggest obstacle to Bangladesh’s hopes of victory.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi later left the field because of injury. Atal then built a resistance with Ikram Alikhil, who came in as Shahidi’s replacement. Their 66-run partnership ended when Ikram was dismissed for 33.
Trying to play a short delivery from Ebadot Hossain, Ikram failed to make proper contact, and Litton Das produced an outstanding diving catch to his left. The dismissal came just before lunch and gave Bangladesh renewed momentum.
Litton also set a record with the catch. Across the two innings of the Abu Dhabi Test, he had scored 53 and 102 and recorded eight dismissals, matching the achievement of South African Denis Lindsay, who had made 69 and 182 runs and recorded eight dismissals. By taking Ikram’s catch, Litton moved past Lindsay’s record.
Atal continued to survive after the interval. On 66, he narrowly avoided being bowled when the ball came close to hitting his stumps. At 70, Bangladesh missed another chance when Litton could not complete a stumping.
After several reprieves, Atal reached his maiden Test century off 277 balls, pulling Hasan Mahmud for four to bring up the milestone.
Bangladesh responded by taking two wickets in quick succession. Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Ismat Alam, who had scored four off 60 balls, with Najmul Hossain Shanto taking the catch at slip. Miraz then removed the aggressive Shahidi, who was caught by Hasan Mahmud at mid-on for 36 off 69 balls.
The two wickets in the second session revived Bangladesh’s hopes of victory, but Atal remained at the crease. He went into the tea break on 105 from 299 balls.
In the 11th over after tea, Taijul Islam finally dismissed Atal, who was caught at short leg after the fielders appealed. The umpire gave him out, and Atal reviewed the decision, but replays showed that the ball had touched his bat. Atal departed for 111 off 332 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. It was his first century in Test cricket.
Although his dismissal briefly lifted Bangladesh’s spirits, Afghanistan’s lower order managed to lose only one more wicket and bat out the remaining time to secure the draw.
