Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh reached 317-8 on the first day of the one-off cricket Test against Afghanistan at Sheikh Jayed Stadium, thanks to half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shadman Islam, and Liton Das.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day saw Bangladesh miss an opportunity to dominate despite a strong start from the openers. Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored an aggressive 83 runs off 71 balls, setting a solid foundation with Shadman Islam, who contributed 67 runs. Liton Das added 53 to the tally, supporting Bangladesh's initial momentum.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to bat first after winning the toss. Tanzid's dynamic play against Afghanistan's short ball strategy proved effective, as the opening partnership quickly amassed 124 runs. However, Afghanistan's persistent bowling tactics eventually paid off when Ismat Alam dismissed Tanzid with a short ball.
Mominul Haque then joined Shadman at the crease, maintaining the scoring rate until Shadman fell to Mohammad Saleem's short ball after a 60-run partnership. Yamin Ahmadzai's consecutive dismissals of Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim put Bangladesh in a challenging position.
The situation worsened with Najmul Hossain Shanto's dismissal by Qais Ahmed, leaving Bangladesh struggling after losing three wickets within 18 balls. A crucial 62-run partnership between Liton Das and Mehdiy Hasan Miraz helped stabilize the innings. However, Ismat Alam's return to the attack ended Miraz's innings at 24.
Saleem, Afghanistan's standout bowler with figures of 3-70, removed Liton Das and Hasan Mahmud in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh with eight wickets down. A late resistance from Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam, who were unbeaten on 11 and 4 respectively at stumps, prevented further damage and concluded the day's play.