Litton Das struck a century before Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372-7, setting Afghanistan a target of 479 to win the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi.
Litton made 102 from 117 deliveries, hitting his 100 after surviving two dropped catches on the fourth morning. His innings ended when he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil off Mohammad Saleem. Bangladesh declared immediately after his dismissal, having batted for 105.2 overs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten on 52 from 97 balls, completing his half-century as Bangladesh finished their innings with a commanding lead.
Litton had resumed the day on five not out and made the most of Afghanistan’s fielding lapses to reach his century. Qais Ahmad gave him two chances, first when Shahidullah Kamal dropped a slip catch with Litton on 14, then when the leg-spinner failed to hold a return catch with the batter on 26.
Litton punished those errors, bringing up his 22nd Test half-century before pressing on to three figures. His century also followed the milestone of reaching 9,000 international runs, making him the fifth Bangladesh batter to achieve the feat.
The seventh-wicket stand between Litton and Mehidy proved crucial to Bangladesh’s declaration. The pair had added 149 runs from 201 balls which helped Bangladesh to post such big target.
They continued to build the advantage after the interval, with Mehidy reaching his fifty and Litton moving beyond his overnight score of 81.
Bangladesh eventually declared at 372-7 after 105.2 overs. With Afghanistan having been bowled out for 240 in their first innings, the hosts were set 479 to win.
