Test at Sheikh Zayed: Bangladesh 346 all out, Afghanistan gains early foothold

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium hosted a Test clash on 10 October where Bangladesh’s first innings collapsed at 346 runs. Winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to set a target. Opening batsmen Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan forged a 124‑run partnership, providing a solid platform. Hasan was the first wicket, dismissed after 71 balls for 83 runs.

Shadman then partnered with Mominul Haque, adding 60 runs before Islam fell for 67 off 111 deliveries. Haque contributed 39 before being sent back. The middle order saw Liton Das, who underperformed at the Asian Games, rebound with a fluent 53, while Naim Hasan added an unbeaten 35. Captain Najmul Hussain Shanto made 29. The innings concluded at 346 with all wickets fallen.

Afghanistan’s pace attack was led by Mohammad Salah, who claimed four wickets, the most in the innings. Yamin Ahmadzai supported with three wickets, Imad Alam took two, and Qais Ahmad added one. Afghanistan’s batting began cautiously with Sedikullah Atal and Abdul Malik, who together added 30 runs for the first wicket. Atal was out for 17, leaving Malik on 24 from 39 balls. Shahidullah came in at number three. By the time of the report, Afghanistan had posted 54 for 1 in 17 overs, with Shahidullah on 13.

Given Afghanistan’s limited exposure to Test cricket, this match serves as a crucial learning experience following their recent home series win against Australia.