Afghanistan under pressure after Ibadot's double strike; Bangladesh post 346 in the first innings.

Bangladesh scored 346 runs in their first innings of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Following significant contributions with the bat from Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Litton Das, Bangladesh made a strong start with the ball. However, a partnership between Abdul Malik and Rahmat Shah late on the second day gave Afghanistan hope of a comeback. Ebadot Hossain later broke that stand by dismissing Malik.
 

A Strong Start from Tanzid and Shadman
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first. This decision was driven by the expectation that batting could become difficult in the second innings due to Abu Dhabi's hot weather and the dry nature of the pitch.
Openers Tanzid Hasan and Shadman Islam laid a solid foundation for the team early on, sharing a 124-run opening partnership. Tanzid played aggressively, scoring 83 runs; his 71-ball innings was marked by rapid scoring, though he fell short of a century.
At the other end, Shadman played a patient knock, scoring 67 runs. After the openers departed, Mominul Haque contributed 39 runs. However, Bangladesh found themselves under pressure after losing three wickets for just four runs, slipping from 221 for two.

Litton’s Fifty and Nayeem’s Unbeaten 35
After losing quick wickets in the middle order, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to stabilize the innings. Litton scored 53 runs, while Miraz contributed 24, though neither could go on to play a massive innings.
Towards the end, Nayeem Hasan’s unbeaten 35 helped Bangladesh reach a total of 346. The team was bowled out in 92.3 overs. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed four wickets, and Yamin Ahmadzai took three.

Hasan Strikes Early; Ebadot’s Salute
In reply, Afghanistan came under immediate pressure from the Bangladeshi pacers. Hasan Mahmud dismissed Sediqullah Atal for 17 runs. Tanzid Hasan took the catch. Earlier, Bangladesh had missed a chance to dismiss Atal because the team did not opt ​​for a review following the umpire's decision.
Subsequently, Shahidullah Kamal was dismissed for 20 runs off a bouncer from Ebadot Hossain; Hasan Mahmud took a brilliant catch after sprinting to deep fine leg. Ebadot’s trademark salute celebration was seen after claiming the wicket.
 

Attempt to recover through the Malik-Rahmat partnership
After losing two wickets, Abdul Malik and captain Rahmat Shah tried to stabilize the innings. Their partnership gradually grew; Malik brought up his maiden Test half-century, while Rahmat also batted fluently.
At one stage, Afghanistan’s score stood at 119 for 2 in 38 overs. They still trailed Bangladesh's first-innings total by 227 runs. By the time of the tea break, Afghanistan had reached 131 for 2 in 45 overs.
However, Ebadot broke the 70-run partnership. Malik, having scored 62, was dismissed caught behind. This marked the fall of Afghanistan's third wicket, giving Bangladesh an opportunity to exert pressure on the match once again.
 

Bangladesh's chance to take the upper hand
Having scored 346 runs in the first innings, Bangladesh's goal is now to bowl Afghanistan out as quickly as possible and secure a lead. Although pacers Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain claimed crucial early wickets, the Malik-Rahmat partnership posed a challenge for the Bangladeshi spinners.
The task ahead for the Bangladeshi bowlers is to take regular wickets and prevent Afghanistan from posting a massive total. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will aim to maintain batting consistency and narrow the gap with the first-innings score.
Source: Prothom Alo