Sediqullah Atal’s maiden test century extended Afghanistan’s resistance to secure a dramatic draw against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Batting for 142 overs in their second innings, Afghanistan survived 92 overs on the final day to finish at 346 for eight, denying Bangladesh a victory despite a commanding position.
Afghanistan began the day precariously placed at 132 for three but lost five wickets over the course of the day. Atal, playing just his third test, anchored the innings with a patient 111 from 332 balls across eight and a half hours. He became the first Afghan to score a century in the fourth innings of a test when he pulled Mehidy Hasan Miraz to the boundary after resuming on 35 overnight. His dismissal just after tea brought the seventh wicket down, but the tail-enders held firm.
Yamin Ahmadzai, aged 34, played a gritty supporting role, facing 85 deliveries to make a career-best 19 runs. Qais Ahmad, familiar with franchise cricket in eight countries, batted through 80 balls to remain unbeaten on 49, also a personal best. Zia-ur-Rehman, batting at number ten, contributed by facing 12 balls. Qais Ahmad was dropped on 29 by Hasan Mahmud and added drama late in the innings when he strained his left hamstring but still managed to hit a six over midwicket before stumps.
Bangladesh had dominated the match after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Their initial innings set the tone with a 106-run lead. In their second innings, Bangladesh declared at 372 for seven, with Litton Das scoring 102. Das also set a new record for a wicketkeeper in a test match with nine dismissals, as well as a century and a half-century. He missed a chance for a tenth dismissal when he failed to stump Atal on 70.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had four and a half sessions to bowl out Afghanistan and claim a win, but the Afghan batting lineup showed resilience despite early setbacks, losing two wickets in the first seven overs on Monday.
The draw marks a hard-fought result for Afghanistan in their second test, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure in challenging conditions. The match also highlighted individual milestones, including Atal’s historic innings and Litton Das’s record-setting performance behind the stumps.
According to Yahoo Sports.
