Bangladesh paid the price for sloppy fielding as Afghanistan produced a remarkable rearguard effort to secure a memorable draw in the one-off Test, finishing on 346-8 in their second innings while chasing a target of 479.
Bangladesh needed three more wickets after dismissing Sedikullah Atal in the final session, but could manage only one more breakthrough. Missed run-out opportunities and a dropped catch proved costly as Afghanistan’s lower order held firm to frustrate the hosts.
Afghanistan resumed the final day on 132-3 and battled for 142 overs to keep Bangladesh at bay. Atal was the cornerstone of the resistance, scoring 111 off 332 balls before Taijul Islam dismissed him in the final session.
Atal received valuable support from Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 36, and Ikram Alikhil, who made 33. Their contributions helped Afghanistan withstand sustained pressure from the Bangladesh bowlers.
After Atal’s departure, Bangladesh appeared to be closing in on victory when Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Yamin Ahmadzai. However, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman resisted until the end, preserving the draw despite the mounting pressure.
Qais remained unbeaten on 49 after being given a reprieve when Hasan Mahmud dropped a catch with eight overs remaining. Bangladesh had also missed two run-out opportunities earlier in the innings.
For Bangladesh, Ebadot Hossain claimed three wickets for 50 runs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three for 73. Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam picked up one wicket apiece.
Despite Bangladesh’s strong position and repeated opportunities to finish the match, Afghanistan’s determination and the hosts’ costly fielding errors ensured the visitors left with a hard-fought draw.
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