Bangladesh is within reach of a dominant victory over Afghanistan in their one-off Test after a commanding performance at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. On the fourth day of play, the tourists declared their second innings at 372-7, establishing a formidable target of 479 runs for Afghanistan to chase.
The innings was anchored by a brilliant 102 from Litton Das, marking his seventh Test century. His efforts were bolstered by a vital 149-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who remained unbeaten on 52. Afghanistan’s fielding struggles hampered their progress, as they provided Litton with lifelines on 14, 26, and 67, while also failing to convert a run-out opportunity against Miraz.
With a 106-run lead from the first innings, Bangladesh began their second session of play at 223-6. Following the declaration, the Afghan side faced a disciplined bowling attack and ended the day struggling at 132-3. Early pressure was applied by Ebadot Hossain, who removed Abdul Malik for just two runs in the second over. Hasan Mahmud, fresh off a first-innings five-wicket haul that included a hat-trick, accounted for Shahidullah Kamal, who was caught behind for 19. They will be eager to make early inroads and put pressure on the remaining batters to wrap up the match.
Afghanistan received a boost from Rahmat Shah, who contributed a determined 51 off the back of his century in the first innings. He combined with Sediqullah Atal for an 82-run third-wicket stand, striking five boundaries and a six before eventually being dismissed by Ebadot Hossain. Rahmat, who had played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s first innings with an impressive century in their total of 240, once again demonstrated his determination with a fighting half-century in the second innings.
The dismissal of Rahmat was significant for Litton Das, who secured his eighth catch of the match behind the stumps. This feat established a new Bangladesh record for dismissals in a single Test, surpassing the seven set by Khaled Mashud against Zimbabwe in February 2004. This milestone highlights Litton’s consistency throughout the game, which has proven essential on the challenging Abu Dhabi track. Consistency and importance to the team, particularly on a pitch that continued to challenge the batters, his outstanding performance with the gloves highlighted his concentration. Adding another milestone to an already memorable performance, litton’s achievement surpassed that mark.
At the close of the fourth day, Sediqullah Atal was holding firm on 35, joined by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who remained undefeated on 19. Afghanistan still faces a monumental task to survive the final day, with Bangladesh aiming to use both pace and spin to exploit the deteriorating pitch conditions.
Mohammad Saleem, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Yamin Ahmadzai each claimed two wickets for Afghanistan, but the team’s inability to break the crucial lower-order partnerships allowed the visitors to set an imposing target. Bangladesh will enter the concluding day of the match heavily favored to secure the win.
