Atal's Century and Qais's Heroics Secure Draw for Afghanistan Against Bangladesh

Afghanistan Holds Bangladesh to a Draw

Sediqullah Atal's impressive century, combined with a resilient performance from Afghanistan's lower order, enabled the team to secure a draw against Bangladesh in their one-off Test match. Qais Ahmad's six off the final delivery ensured the visitors managed to survive a nail-biting finish.

Atal scored 111 runs from 332 balls, spending over eight hours at the crease to frustrate the Bangladeshi bowlers on the last day. Afghanistan concluded their second innings at 346/8 after being set a challenging target, with Qais remaining not out on 49 and Rahmat Shah contributing 51 runs.

Despite having multiple chances to clinch victory in the final session, Bangladesh was unable to take the last two wickets, bowling a total of 142 overs in Afghanistan's second innings.

Dramatic Final Day

As the day began, Afghanistan faced an early challenge when captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had to retire hurt after being struck on the knee by a throw from Hasan Mahmud. Nevertheless, Atal continued to anchor the innings with a mix of solid defense and aggressive strokes.

The left-handed batsman reached his half-century against Ebadot Hossain and then targeted Taijul Islam, hitting two sixes off the spinner. He had a close call when he nearly got out while defending a quicker delivery.

Bangladesh finally broke through shortly before lunch when Ebadot dismissed Ikram Alikhil, with wicketkeeper Litton Das executing a diving catch. Litton's performance was noteworthy, as he also scored a century and a half-century during the match.

Atal persisted after the break, achieving his maiden Test century off 277 balls with a well-timed pull shot. This innings marked the first century by an Afghan player in the fourth innings of a Test match. Shortly after, Ismat Alam, who had batted for a long time, was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Tense Conclusion as Afghanistan Survives

Shahidi returned to the crease and counterattacked with a six and a four off Taijul but was dismissed for 36 while attempting another big shot before tea. Taijul eventually ended Atal's marathon innings, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope for victory.

However, the visitors could not capitalize on this breakthrough as Afghanistan's lower order held firm. Yamin Ahmadzai narrowly avoided a run-out when an inside edge rolled onto the stumps without dislodging the bails.

Qais also dodged a run-out chance after a mix-up with Ahmadzai, with Bangladesh failing to hit the stumps despite having a clear opportunity. The duo batted together for 18.2 overs before Mehidy dismissed Ahmadzai for 19 off 85 balls.

Despite appearing to be in discomfort, Qais continued batting, joined by Zia-ur-Rehman as they navigated the remaining overs. With the light fading and Bangladesh desperately seeking the final wicket, Qais struck a six off the last ball of the match, confirming the draw. He finished unbeaten on 49, playing a vital role in Afghanistan's late resistance.

Match Summary

In the earlier innings, Bangladesh scored 346, with Tanzid Hasan making 83, Shadman Islam contributing 67, and Litton adding 53. Afghanistan responded with 240 runs, led by Rahmat's 105 and Karim Janat's 62, while Hasan Mahmud took five wickets for 55 runs.

Bangladesh strengthened their position with a declaration at 372/7 in their second innings. Litton scored 102, Najmul Hossain Shanto made 82, and Mushfiqur Rahim added 81 runs before Afghanistan began their chase in the fourth innings.

Rahmat's 51 and Qais's unbeaten contribution, along with Atal's monumental effort, ensured Afghanistan held on for a draw despite the relentless pressure from Bangladesh's bowling attack.