Afghanistan Holds Bangladesh to a Draw in First Test Match

Abu Dhabi, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : Afghanistan successfully avoided defeat in the first Test match against Bangladesh, which concluded in a draw at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Chasing a daunting target of 479 runs, Afghanistan scored 346 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their second innings.

The Afghan team had a shaky start. Abdul Malik was dismissed for just 2 runs, and Shahidullah Kamal followed soon after, scoring 19 runs. However, captain Rahmat Shah, who scored 105 runs in the first innings, and Sediqullah Atal steadied the innings with a vital partnership of 82 runs for the third wicket. Rahmat was eventually out for 51 runs off 124 balls, while Atal showcased his skill with a brilliant century, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 36 runs, and Ikram Alikhil added 33 runs before being dismissed. Ismat Alam managed only 4 runs. After Atal’s impressive innings, Afghanistan found themselves at 281 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The eighth-wicket pair of Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad then built a crucial partnership of 45 runs off 110 balls.

Yamin scored 19 runs before his dismissal, but Qais remained unbeaten, scoring 49 runs from 80 balls. He also formed a 20-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Zia-ur-Rehman, ensuring the team avoided defeat. Bangladesh had scored 346 runs in their first innings, while Afghanistan was all out for 240 runs. This left Bangladesh with a 106-run lead. In their second innings, Bangladesh declared at 372 runs for 7 wickets, setting Afghanistan a massive target of 479 runs.

Litton Das was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance, scoring 53 runs in the first innings and 102 in the second. Other notable contributions for Bangladesh included half-centuries from Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mushfiqur Rahim. In bowling, Ebadot Hossain claimed the most wickets in the match with 7, while Hasan Mahmud took a total of 6 wickets across both innings.