Despite coming agonizingly close to victory, Bangladesh failed to bowl out Afghanistan on the final day, allowing the resilient Afghans to secure a hard-fought, morale-boosting draw in the one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Needing 7 wickets on Day 5 while defending a target of 347, Bangladesh was let down by dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities as Afghanistan batted out the remaining overs.
While Afghanistan walked off the field celebrating a draw that felt equivalent to a win, Bangladesh was left to rue missed chances and a victory that slipped through their fingers.
Sediqullah Atal’s Historic Century: Afghan opener Sediqullah Atal anchored one end with immense grit, grinding out a magnificent 111 off 332 deliveries. This marked his maiden Test century and a historic first-ever fourth-innings Test ton by any Afghanistan batter.
Costly Fielding Lapses: With Bangladesh needing just 3 wickets and 21 overs remaining, the fielders squandered two consecutive straightforward run-out opportunities in as many balls. Combined with dropped catches, this allowed tail-enders Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad to stitch together a vital 45-run partnership off 110 balls for the final wicket.
Qais Ahmad’s Unbeaten Resistance: Though spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually removed Ahmadzai, the final breakthrough eluded Bangladesh. Qais Ahmad paired up with Ziaur Rahman to stone-wall the bowling attack, playing an unbeaten 49-run knock off 80 balls to seal the draw.
Bowling Figures: Ebadot Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers with 3 wickets each, while Taijul Islam chipped in with 1 wicket.
