Bangladesh ended the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Test at 317/8, experiencing both periods of dominance and late-inning frustration. Despite a strong start that hinted at a massive total, the team lost regular wickets toward the end of the day, leaving the side in a precarious position at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. After winning the toss, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bat first, aiming to capitalize on the surface.
Opening batter Tanzid Hasan justified the captain’s decision with a blistering display of aggression. He reached his maiden Test half-century in just 41 balls, signaling his intent early. Tanzid looked well on his way to a century but fell 17 runs short of the milestone, caught behind off pacer Ismat Alam. His 83-run innings came off 71 balls and featured eight boundaries and four sixes, anchoring the initial 124-run opening stand.
The Middle-Order Fluctuations
Tanzid’s partner, Shadman Islam, had a rocky start to his innings. He survived an early chance when dropped by Hashmatullah Shahidi while on just five runs. Once he regained his composure, Shadman settled in to record a patient fifty, though he was eventually dismissed for 67, caught by Zia-ur-Rahman off the bowling of Mohammad Salim. Following Shadman’s departure, Mominul Haque contributed a steady 39 from 70 balls before being dismissed by Yamin Ahmadzai.
The innings suffered a significant middle-order collapse, as Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim departed within two runs of each other. Mushfiqur failed to impact the scoreboard, falling for a seven-ball duck, while Shanto followed shortly after, dismissed by spinner Qais Ahmad for 29.
Recovery and Late Struggles
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Litton Das stabilized the innings with a crucial 62-run partnership, pushing the team past the 250-run mark.
- Miraz was eventually dismissed for 24 by Ismat Alam, who proved effective throughout the day.
- Litton Das reached his own half-century, scoring 53 from 89 balls before becoming one of Mohammad Salim’s three victims on the day.
- Hasan Mahmud was also dismissed by Salim at the total of 305.
As the day neared its conclusion, Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam successfully navigated the final four overs without further loss. The duo put together an unbeaten 12-run partnership to see the team through to stumps, with Nayeem remaining not out on 11. Mohammad Salim led the Afghan bowling attack with three wickets, while Ismat Alam and Yamin Ahmadzai claimed two each, keeping the contest finely balanced heading into the second day.
