Bangladesh lost their early advantage against Afghanistan despite half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shadman Islam and Litton Das on the opening day of their one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The Tigers ended the opening day at 317 for eight in 84 overs after losing wickets at regular intervals following a strong opening partnership. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 11, while Taijul Islam was not out on four.
Tanzid gave Bangladesh an explosive start after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat. The left-handed opener smashed 83 off just 71 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes.
Tanzid and Shadman added 124 runs for the opening wicket before Ismat Alam dismissed Tanzid, who was caught behind. His aggressive innings had raised hopes of a maiden Test century and a possible challenge to Bangladesh’s fastest Test hundred.
Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar jointly hold that record, having reached their centuries in 94 balls.
Shadman survived an early chance when Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dropped a catch at short field. Bangladesh reached 134 for one at lunch, with Shadman unbeaten on 41 and Mominul Haque on five.
The pair continued to build on the strong start after lunch. Shadman brought up his first Test half-century of the year from 94 balls. He looked comfortable at the crease before departing for 67 off 111 deliveries.
Mominul also played positively and looked set for a half-century. However, he fell for 39 off 70 balls as Afghanistan began to regain control.
Captain Shanto then tried to steady the innings but fell for 29 off 42 balls. Bangladesh suffered another setback when Mushfiqur Rahim was bowled for a duck by Yamin Ahmadzai with a fine inswinging yorker.
Shanto followed soon after, edging Qais Ahmad to a slip fielder as Bangladesh lost three wickets for just four runs before tea. The Tigers reached 226 for five at tea after losing four wickets in the second session.
Litton then provided some resistance in the final session, scoring 53 off 89 balls before Mohammad Saleem dismissed him in the 80th over. The wicketkeeper batter also brought a moment of laughter to the Bangladesh dressing room when he raised his bat after scoring his first run.
Litton had registered three consecutive ducks in his previous three Test innings against Australia. His playful celebration after finally getting off the mark left his teammates amused.
He batted patiently, defended well and found gaps to rotate the strike. He also played occasional attacking shots, showing his usual approach in the middle order.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz supported him from the other end as the pair added 62 runs for the sixth wicket. Miraz scored 24 off 67 balls before Ismat bowled him in the 73rd over. The Bangladesh all-rounder attempted a cut shot but ended up dragging the ball onto his stumps.
Litton’s stay ended when he attempted to hook a short delivery from Saleem. Ahmadzai ran to his left and completed a fine diving catch at deep square leg.
Bangladesh lost another wicket before the close of play, but Nayeem and Taijul survived the remaining overs to take the total to 317 for eight.
Despite three half-centuries, Bangladesh failed to turn their promising start into a commanding position. The visitors will resume on the second morning hoping to add valuable runs with their last two wickets.
