Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 13 (ANI): Sediqullah Atal’s resolute century and a decided effort from Afghanistan’s decrease order helped the group maintain Bangladesh to a draw within the one-off Check, with Qais Ahmad placing a six off the ultimate ball to make sure the guests survived a tense end.
Atal scored 111 off 332 deliveries, batting for greater than eight hours to frustrate Bangladesh’s bowlers on the ultimate day. Afghanistan completed their second innings at 346/8 after being set a difficult goal, with Qais unbeaten on 49 and Rahmat Shah contributing 51.
Bangladesh had a number of alternatives to seal victory within the closing session however couldn’t take the final two wickets regardless of bowling 142 overs in Afghanistan’s second innings.
Resuming the day, Afghanistan suffered an early setback when Hasan Mahmud’s throw struck captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on the knee, forcing him to retire harm. Atal, nevertheless, continued to anchor the innings with a mix of disciplined defence and occasional attacking strokes.
The left-hander introduced up his half-century towards Ebadot Hossain earlier than taking up Taijul Islam, placing two sixes off the spinner. He survived a nervous second when he almost performed himself on whereas trying to defend a faster supply.
Bangladesh ultimately discovered a breakthrough shortly earlier than lunch when Ebadot dismissed Ikram Alikhil, with wicketkeeper Litton Das finishing a diving catch down the leg facet. Litton’s efficiency behind the stumps added to an impressive match through which he additionally scored a century and a half-century with the bat.
Atal continued to withstand after the interval and reached his maiden Check century off 277 balls with a pull shot. His innings grew to become the primary century by an Afghanistan batter within the fourth innings of a Check match.
Ismat Alam, who had occupied the crease for a prolonged interval, was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz shortly afterwards. Shahidi returned to bat and counterattacked with a six and a 4 off Taijul, however fell for 36 whereas trying one other large shot earlier than tea.
Taijul ultimately ended Atal’s marathon innings, giving Bangladesh hope of finishing the win. Nevertheless, the guests couldn’t capitalise on the breakthrough as Afghanistan’s decrease order dug in.
Yamin Ahmadzai survived an in depth name when an inside edge rolled onto the stumps with out dislodging the bails. Qais additionally escaped a run-out alternative after a mix-up with Ahmadzai, with Bangladesh failing to hit the stumps regardless of having an opportunity to dismiss him.
The pair batted collectively for 18.2 overs earlier than Mehidy eliminated Ahmadzai for 19 off 85 balls. Qais then continued regardless of showing to undergo discomfort, with Zia-ur-Rehman becoming a member of him to barter the remaining overs.
With the sunshine fading and Bangladesh desperately trying to find the ultimate wicket, Qais struck the final ball of the match for six to verify the draw. He remained unbeaten on 49, having performed a vital position in Afghanistan’s late resistance.
Earlier within the match, Bangladesh posted 346 of their first innings, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 83, Shadman Islam making 67 and Litton contributing 53. Afghanistan replied with 240, led by Rahmat’s 105 and Karim Janat’s 62, whereas Hasan Mahmud claimed 5 wickets for 55 runs.
Bangladesh strengthened their place within the match with 372/7 declared of their second innings. Litton scored 102, Najmul Hossain Shanto made 82, and Mushfiqur Rahim added 81 earlier than Afghanistan started their fourth-innings chase.
Rahmat’s 51 and Qais’ unbeaten contribution, alongside Atal’s monumental effort, ensured Afghanistan held on for a draw regardless of sustained stress from Bangladesh’s bowling assault. (ANI)
