Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh strengthened its hold on the one-off Test against Afghanistan on Day 3 at Sheikh Jayes Stadium, UAE, with standout performances from several players.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick was a key highlight, pushing Bangladesh ahead. Following his performance, Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed significantly with scores of 81 and 82, respectively, ensuring Bangladesh ended the day with a commanding lead of 329 runs, closing at 223-6 in their second innings.
Bangladesh had earlier bowled Afghanistan out for 240, with Hasan Mahmud's pace proving crucial. He achieved the first hat-trick by a Bangladeshi pacer in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5-55, which dismantled Afghanistan's innings despite a resilient 105 not out from their captain Rahmat Shah. Ebadot Hossain also played a vital role, taking 4-56.
In their second innings, Bangladesh began cautiously after losing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 31 and other early wickets, reaching a precarious 53-3. However, a resilient 159-run partnership between Shanto and Rahim put Bangladesh in a strong position. Despite both missing centuries, their efforts kept Afghanistan's players on the field in the heat, aiming to deplete their energy.
Afghan bowlers Yamin Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rahman managed to take two wickets each. Bangladesh looks to extend their lead beyond 400 on the next day, with Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz set to continue the innings.