AFG vs BAN: Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan, finishing Day 3 at 223/6 in their second innings to extend their overall lead to 329 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The visitors had secured a crucial 106-run first-innings advantage after bowling Afghanistan out for 240. Resuming at 211/4, Afghanistan lost their remaining six wickets for just 29 runs as Bangladesh’s pace attack produced a devastating spell.

Hasan Mahmud was the chief destroyer, claiming 5/55, while Ebadot Hossain picked up four wickets for 56 runs. Hasan also became the first Bangladesh fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket, dealing a decisive blow to Afghanistan’s hopes of taking a first-innings lead.

Rahmat Shah was Afghanistan’s standout performer, scoring a patient 105 off 216 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes. Abdul Malik contributed 62, but the collapse of the lower order prevented Afghanistan from putting Bangladesh under pressure.

Mushfiqur and Shanto lead Bangladesh’s fightback

Bangladesh began their second innings with a substantial advantage but lost wickets during the opening sessions. Shadman Islam departed for 13, while Mominul Haque managed only seven. Tanzid Hasan Tamim provided some momentum with 31 off 38 balls before falling to Yamin Ahmadzai.

With Afghanistan sensing an opportunity, experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto helped Bangladesh regain control. Mushfiqur responded to his first-innings duck with a valuable contribution, while Shanto provided stability amid the early setbacks.

Bangladesh eventually reached 223/6 at stumps, putting themselves in a commanding position heading into the fourth day. Afghanistan now face a formidable challenge, with Bangladesh holding a substantial lead and well placed to dictate the remainder of the contest.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 346 & 223/6 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 82, Mushfiqur Rahim 81; Yamin Ahmadzai 2-42, Qaid Ahmad 1-36) lead Afghanistan 240 (Rahmat Shah 101, Abdul Malik 62; Hasan Mahmud 5-55, Ebadot Hossain 4-56) by 329 runs.

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