Shanto and Mushfiq Put Bangladesh in Command Against Afghanistan

Bangladesh took a 106-run first-innings lead after bowling Afghanistan out for 240, with Hasan Mahmud taking a hat-trick and five wickets. After losing three wickets for 53 in their second innings, Bangladesh recovered through a 159-run partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim to finish the third day at 223 for six, extending their overall lead to 329 runs.

Bangladesh were in a strong position against Afghanistan at the end of the third day of the Abu Dhabi Test. After scoring 346 in their first innings, Bangladesh dismissed Afghanistan for 240. They then reached 223 for six in 72 overs in their second innings. Afghanistan resumed the day at 211 for four but suffered a batting collapse as Bangladesh’s bowlers took control. Ebadot Hossain started the slide by bowling Ikram Alikhil for 32.

Hasan Mahmud then took three wickets in consecutive deliveries to complete a hat-trick. He bowled Ismat Alam for one, had Qais Ahmad caught by Litton Das for a duck and trapped Ziaur Rahman leg-before-wicket. Hasan later dismissed Yamin Ahmadzai, caught by Litton, to complete a five-wicket haul. Ebadot took four wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed one.

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah fought a lone battle, remaining unbeaten on 105 off 216 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes. Abdul Malik scored 62, while Ikram made 32. However, Rahmat’s century was not enough to bring Afghanistan close to Bangladesh’s first-innings total. Afghanistan were all out for 240 in 89.1 overs.

Bangladesh also struggled early in their second innings after gaining a 106-run lead. Shadman Islam scored 13, Mominul Haque made seven and Tanzid Hasan added 31. Bangladesh were reduced to 53 for three before captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings with a superb 159-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Mr. Mushfiq scored 81 off 148 balls, hitting nine fours, while Mr.  Shanto made 82 off 191 balls, including five fours. Their partnership passed the 50-, 100- and 150-run marks, reaching 159 in 292 balls and putting Bangladesh firmly back in control.

Late in the day, Mr. Mushfiq was caught by Mr. Shahidullah off Ziaur Rahman. Mr. Shanto was then bowled by Qais Ahmad, and Hasan Mahmud soon followed him back to the pavilion. Bangladesh ended the day at 223 for six, with Litton Das unbeaten on five and Mehidy Hasan Miraz yet to score.

In Bangladesh’s first innings, Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 83, followed by Shadman Islam with 67, Litton Das with 53 and Mominul Haque with 39 as the team posted 346. Bangladesh now lead by 329 runs with four wickets remaining. Their priority on the fourth morning will be to add more runs and set Afghanistan a challenging target. Afghanistan, meanwhile, must take the remaining wickets quickly to have a chance of getting back into the match.