Bangladesh Set Second-Highest Test Target Against Afghanistan

Bangladesh have set Afghanistan a massive target in the Abu Dhabi Test. Powered by Litton Das’s seventh Test century, important contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, and a half-century from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372 for 7. Including their 106-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh set Afghanistan a target of 479 runs, the second-highest target they have ever set an opponent in Test cricket.

Bangladesh’s highest Test target remains 662 runs, set against Afghanistan in Mirpur in June 2023. Bangladesh won that match by a massive 546 runs. The 479-run target in Abu Dhabi now ranks second on the list.

Bangladesh laid the foundation for the huge target in the first innings, scoring 346 runs. Tanzid Hasan was one of the main attractions with an aggressive 83 off 71 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. Shadman Islam contributed 67 runs to give Bangladesh a strong start. Litton Das added 53, along with contributions from other batters, as Bangladesh reached 346.

In reply, Afghanistan were bowled out for 240. Captain Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 105 but received little support from the other batters. Afghanistan’s innings collapsed towards the end under pressure from Bangladesh’s pace attack.

Hasan Mahmud was the key figure in the collapse. He took five wickets for 55 runs and made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket. Ebadot Hossain also took four wickets, giving Bangladesh a 106-run first-innings lead.

Bangladesh did not have a comfortable start to their second innings. Mr. Shadman scored 13, Mr. Tanzid made 31, and Mominul Haque was dismissed for seven. Mr. Shanto and Mr. Mushfiqur then took responsibility, building a crucial 159-run partnership. Shanto scored 82 off 191 balls, while Mr. Mushfiqur made 81 off 148 balls.

After their dismissals, Mr. Litton took control of the innings. He remained unbeaten on 102 off 116 balls, hitting 14 fours to complete his seventh Test century. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played an important role, remaining unbeaten on 52 off 97 balls, including five fours.

Their contributions helped Bangladesh reach 372 for 7 before declaring, leaving Afghanistan with a target of 479 runs. It is the second-highest target Bangladesh have set in Test cricket, behind the 662 runs they set against Afghanistan in Mirpur in 2023.

Afghanistan now face a major challenge to save the match. Chasing 479 runs for victory will be difficult, while batting out the remaining time to secure a draw will also test their resilience. Bangladesh’s bowlers, encouraged by Hasan Mahmud’s five-wicket haul and Mr. Ebadot’s four wickets in the first innings, will look to strike early and secure another major Test victory.