Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh strengthened their position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan on Day 3 at Sheikh Jayes Stadium, fueled by impressive individual performances.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick was instrumental in Bangladesh gaining the upper hand, supported by strong contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. At stumps, Bangladesh had reached 223-6 in their second innings, building an overall lead of 329 runs. Liton Das was not out on 5, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz yet to score, as the team aimed for a lead exceeding 400 the following day.
Bangladesh had earlier dismissed Afghanistan for 240, thanks to a decisive bowling display by Hasan Mahmud. Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who had previously scored 83 off 71 balls, started well again but was dismissed for 31, while opener Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque were dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 53-3. However, a 159-run partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim took Bangladesh to a strong position. Both batsmen narrowly missed out on centuries, with Rahim scoring 81 off 148 and Shanto making 82 off 191 balls.
Yamin Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rahman each took two wickets for Afghanistan. Hasan Mahmud's earlier hat-trick marked him as the first Bangladeshi pacer to achieve this feat in Tests, dismantling Afghanistan's innings despite a resilient 105 not out from their captain Rahmat Shah. Hasan concluded with figures of 5-55, while Ebadot Hossain supported with 4-56, triggering a collapse that saw Afghanistan lose six wickets for 29 runs after starting the day at 211-4.