Afghanistan’s players celebrate after getting the wicket of Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam on the second day of their one-off Test at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Photo: ACB
Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah struck an unbeaten 84 to keep his side in contention after Bangladesh posted 346 in their first innings on the second day of the one-off Test at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Rahmat displayed patience and composure throughout his 186-ball innings, striking eight fours and a six to guide Afghanistan to 211-4 at stumps. His unbeaten 72-run partnership with wicketkeeper batsman Ikram Alikhil, who remained not out on 26, helped the hosts recover after losing four wickets.
Alikhil faced 91 balls and struck three fours as the pair kept Afghanistan’s hopes of gaining a first-innings lead alive.
After losing two early wickets, Afghanistan needed a substantial partnership to stabilise their innings. Rahmat joined Abdul Malik at the crease, and the duo added 70 runs for the third wicket to revive their side’s hopes.
Bangladesh seamer Ebadot Hossain provided the breakthrough when he dismissed Malik, who edged the ball to wicket-keeper Litton Das, leaving Afghanistan at 134-3.
Malik, who hails from Baghlan, scored his maiden Test half-century before departing for 62 off 120 deliveries. His innings included four fours and a six.
Afghanistan suffered another setback when Hashmatullah Shahidi was stumped by Litton off spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a duck, leaving the visitors struggling at 139-4.
Alikhil then joined Rahmat, and the pair batted resolutely to prevent further damage and steer Afghanistan towards a respectable total.
Earlier, Afghanistan had made a cautious start before Bangladesh struck twice to reduce the visitors to 64-2 in the 21st over.
Hasan Mahmud claimed the first wicket, dismissing Sediqullah Atal, who was caught by Tanzid Hasan for 17 off 31 balls, including three fours.
Shahidullah joined Malik but could not build a substantial partnership, falling for 20 off 44 deliveries after offering a catch to Hasan Mahmud off Ebadot.
Ebadot was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 2-50 in 11 overs. Hasan and Mehidy claimed one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their first innings at the overnight score of 317-8 and were bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs.
Nayeem Hasan, who was unbeaten on 11 at Friday’s close, remained not out on 35 off 67 balls, hitting four fours. He received valuable support from Taijul Islam, who scored nine, as the pair added 30 runs for the ninth wicket.
For Afghanistan, medium fast bowler Mohammad Saleem led the attack with 4-82 in 23 overs, while his new-ball partner Yamin Ahmadzai claimed 3-79 in 20.3 overs.
With six wickets still in hand, Afghanistan will look to build on Rahmat’s determined innings and narrow the deficit when play resumes.