Abu Dhabi:Afghanistan reached 211 for four at the end of the second day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh, trailing by 135 runs after a strong batting performance led by Rahmat Shah.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rahmat remained unbeaten on 84, while Ikram Alikhil supported him with 24, as the duo added 72 runs for the fifth wicket to frustrate Bangladesh's bowlers late in the day.
Afghanistan had reached 131 for two at tea but lost two quick wickets in the final session. Abdul Malik, who scored 62, was caught behind off Ebadot Hossain, ending a 70-run partnership with Rahmat. Mehedi Hasan Miraz then dismissed captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck, leaving Afghanistan at 156 for four. However, Rahmat and Ikram batted through the final session, putting together an unbroken stand of 72 runs from 194 balls.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh added 29 runs to their overnight total of 317 for eight before being bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs. Nayeem Hasan top-scored among the lower order with an unbeaten 35, while Taijul Islam contributed nine.
Bangladesh had started strong on Friday, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 83 and Shadman Islam 67 in an opening stand of 124. However, the innings faltered after their departure, with Bangladesh losing three wickets for four runs, slipping from 221 for two to 225 for five. Litton Das scored 53 and Mehedi Hasan Miraz made 24, but Afghanistan's bowlers prevented them from building a larger total. Mohammad Salim Safi took four wickets for 82 runs, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three for 79.
Afghanistan's innings began cautiously, with Hasan Mahmud giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough by dismissing Sediqullah Atal for 17. Ebadot Hossain then removed Shahidullah Kamal for 20, with Hasan taking a catch in the deep. Malik and Rahmat steadied the innings with a third-wicket stand before Ebadot struck again, with Malik achieving his maiden Test half-century with 62 runs.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain had opted to bat after winning the toss, noting that the dry pitch and hot conditions could complicate batting in the fourth innings. Afghanistan will resume play on Sunday with six wickets in hand, aiming to close the gap and apply pressure on Bangladesh in the coming days of the match.