Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh requires seven more wickets on the final day to secure a win against Afghanistan in the one-off Test, having set a challenging target of 479 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Afghanistan ended the fourth day at 132 for three, still needing 347 more runs to win. Bangladesh's bowlers initially made quick breakthroughs, with Ebadot Hossain dismissing Abdul Malik for two and Hasan Mahmud removing Shahidullah Kamal for 19, leaving Afghanistan at 28 for two.
Ebadot Hossain was instrumental, breaking a crucial partnership of 82 runs between Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal by dismissing Rahmat for 51. Atal remained not out at 35 by the end of the day's play. Ebadot ended the day with figures of two wickets for 32 runs, while Hasan took one for 31.
Bangladesh had earlier declared their second innings at 372 for seven, thanks in large part to a century from Litton Das and a half-century from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Litton's 102 off 115 balls marked his seventh Test century, supported by significant contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 81 and 82 respectively.
The partnership between Litton and Miraz for the seventh wicket yielded 159 runs, allowing Bangladesh to build a commanding lead. Litton reached his century with a boundary but was dismissed shortly after, prompting the declaration from captain Shanto.
Litton also set a new Bangladesh record for dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test match, achieving eight dismissals to surpass the previous record set by Khaled Mashud. As the Test approaches its conclusion, Bangladesh is poised for victory, while Afghanistan faces a daunting task on the final day.