Bangladesh missed the chance to beat Afghanistan in the Abu Dhabi Test on Tuesday, as Sediqullah Atal’s maiden Test century and stubborn lower-order resistance secured a draw for the hosts despite a commanding target of 479 runs.
Afghanistan finished on 346-8, having started the final day needing another 347 runs for victory with seven wickets in hand. Bangladesh needed seven wickets to complete the win, but missed chances in the field and a prolonged resistance from the Afghan batters denied them the result.
Atal led Afghanistan’s fightback with 111 off 332 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. The opener absorbed pressure throughout the day, built partnerships and kept Bangladesh searching for breakthroughs.
Bangladesh finally struck shortly before lunch when Ebadot Hossain dismissed Ikram Alikhil for 33. Alikhil attempted to pull a short delivery outside leg stump, but edged it behind, where Litton Das dived to his right to complete the catch.
Atal and Ismat Alam added 40 for the fifth wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto caught Ismat for four after the batter faced 60 balls.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi returned after retiring hurt with cramps, but Miraz removed him for 36 off 69 balls. Hasan Mahmud took the catch.
Atal reached his first Test hundred before Bangladesh eventually dismissed him. With 23.2 overs remaining, the hosts still had time to take the final wickets, but Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad resisted.
Ahmadzai scored 19 off 85 balls before falling late in the day. Qais remained unbeaten on 49 off 80 balls, while Ziaur Rahman finished on nought as Afghanistan held on for the draw.
Ebadot and Miraz claimed three wickets each in the second innings, while Hasan and Nayeem Hasan took one apiece. Bangladesh’s missed fielding opportunities added to their frustration as they struggled to finish the match.
Hasan had already produced a landmark performance in Afghanistan’s first innings, taking 5-55 and becoming the first Bangladesh fast bowler to claim a Test hat-trick.
Bangladesh scored 346 in their first innings before dismissing Afghanistan for 240 to establish a 106-run lead. The visitors then declared at 372-7 in their second innings, setting Afghanistan a target of 479. Their strong position gave them a clear opportunity to win, but Atal’s resistance and Afghanistan’s late defiance ensured the match ended in a draw.
