Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh experienced a dramatic batting collapse, reducing their score to 226-5 at tea on Day 1 of the one-off cricket Test against Afghanistan at Sheikh Jayed Stadium in the UAE.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the team lost four wickets in the post-lunch session, allowing Afghanistan to regain their footing in the match. After choosing to bat first, Bangladesh's openers provided a strong start. Tanzid Hasan Tamim particularly excelled, scoring 84 off 71 balls with eight fours and four sixes, while his partner Shadman Islam contributed 67 runs. Their opening partnership added 124 runs.
The breakthrough for Afghanistan came when Tanzid edged a short delivery from pacer Ismat Alam, leading to his dismissal by the wicket-keeper. Shadman and Mominul Haque managed a 60-run partnership for the second wicket before Afghan bowlers capitalized on short deliveries to trouble the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Pacer Mohammad Saleem used a short ball to dismiss Shadman, breaking the promising partnership. Yamin Ahmadzai then struck twice, removing Mominul Haque for 39 and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck in the span of three deliveries, placing Bangladesh in a precarious position. The team's situation worsened when leg-spinner Qais Ahmed dismissed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 29 just before tea.
At the second break, Liton Das remained unbeaten on 3, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz yet to score.