Abu Dhabi:Skipper Rahmat Shah displayed grit and determination to keep the Bangladesh bowlers at bay as Afghanistan fought back to leave the one-off Test evenly poised on Day 2 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahmat remained unbeaten on 84, steering Afghanistan to 211-4 at stumps. He shared an unbroken 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ikram Ali Khil, who was not out on 26. Afghanistan still trails by 135 runs.
Bangladesh, in their first innings, was bowled out for 346, with half-centuries from openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim (83), Shadman Islam (67), and wicketkeeper Liton Das (53) contributing significantly to the total.
Afghanistan's resurgence was initiated by opener Abdul Malik, who scored his maiden half-century before being dismissed for 62. The Afghan innings began cautiously, keeping Bangladesh waiting for 11 overs before Hasan Mahmud dismissed Sediqullah Atal for 17.
Malik's resistance posed a challenge for Bangladesh until Ebadot Hossain dismissed Shahidullah for 20. Despite these setbacks, Rahmat partnered with Malik to solidify Afghanistan's position, denying Bangladesh further breakthroughs.
In the last session, Bangladesh managed two quick wickets. Ebadot struck again to dismiss Malik, ending a 70-run partnership with Rahmat. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then stumped Hasmathullah Shahidi for a duck, reducing Afghanistan to 139-4.
Despite these challenges, Rahmat, with support from Ikram Ali Khil, resisted the Bangladesh attack until the end of the day's play. Ebadot was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh with figures of 2-50, while Hasan and Miraz each took one wicket.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh added 29 runs to their overnight total, with Nayeem Hasan remaining unbeaten on 35. Afghan pacer Mohammad Saleem finished with figures of 4-82, while Yamin Ahmadzai took 3-79.