Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh strengthened their position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the third day at Sheikh Jayes Stadium, Abu Dhabi, with standout performances spearheading their effort.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick was instrumental in putting Bangladesh ahead, complemented by significant contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. By the end of the day, Bangladesh had amassed a lead of 329 runs, closing at 223-6 in their second innings. Liton Das remained at the crease with 5 runs, alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was yet to score. Bangladesh aimed to extend their lead beyond 400 on the following day.
Earlier in the match, after dismissing Afghanistan for 240, thanks to Hasan Mahmud's pace attack, Bangladesh began their second innings cautiously. Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who had scored 83 in the first innings, managed 31 runs this time, while fellow opener Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque were quickly dismissed, leaving the team at 53-3.
Afghanistan showed signs of battling back into the game, but a resilient partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim shifted the momentum. They put on a crucial 159-run stand for the fourth wicket, although both narrowly missed centuries. Mushfiqur Rahim, rectifying his first-innings duck, scored 81 with nine fours, and Shanto made 82, hitting five boundaries. Their efforts ensured Afghanistan spent a considerable time fielding under the intense heat.
Afghanistan's bowlers, Yamin Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rahman, each claimed two wickets in their attempt to curtail Bangladesh's innings. However, the day belonged to Hasan Mahmud, who made history as the first Bangladeshi pacer to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket, dismantling Afghanistan's batting line-up despite a resilient 105 not out from Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah. Hasan Mahmud finished with remarkable figures of 5-55, while Ebadot Hossain supported with 4-56, triggering a collapse as Afghanistan lost six wickets for 29 runs after starting the day at 211-4.