Afghanistan Fight Back as Rahmat Shah Leads Test Reply Against Bangladesh
Afghanistan ended the second day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi with the contest finely balanced. After dismissing Bangladesh for 346 during the morning session, Afghanistan reached 211 for 4 by stumps, still 135 runs behind but with an important fifth-wicket partnership keeping their hopes of taking control alive.
Rahmat Shah was the key figure, finishing unbeaten on 84 after a composed innings built on patience and sound shot selection. Wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil supported him with an unbeaten 26, and their unbroken stand had grown to 72 by the close. With the surface offering inconsistent bounce, surviving the final session without losing another wicket was a valuable achievement for the visitors.
Afghanistan Wrap Up Bangladesh’s First Innings
Bangladesh began the day on 317 for 8, looking to push their total beyond 350. Afghanistan’s bowlers, however, needed only 29 more runs to complete the innings, striking early and keeping the lower order from building a substantial final partnership.
Mohammad Saleem Safi provided the breakthrough, trapping Taijul Islam lbw for 9. The dismissal brought Safi his fourth wicket of the innings, and he finished with figures of 4 for 82. Yamin Ahmadzai then ended Bangladesh’s resistance by having Ebadot Hossain caught at point, completing a disciplined spell of 3 for 79.
Nayeem Hasan was left unbeaten on 35, the highest Test score of his career. He showed useful resolve, finding runs with crisp cuts and drives as Bangladesh edged past the 340 mark. His late contribution gave the home side a respectable total, although Afghanistan would have been encouraged by how efficiently they finished the innings.
Bangladesh Strike Early in a Testing Afghan Reply
Afghanistan’s response was complicated by a pitch that did not offer consistent bounce. Some deliveries rose sharply, while others stayed lower, making it difficult for the batters to settle into a predictable rhythm. Bangladesh’s attack took advantage, keeping pressure on the top order and forcing Afghanistan to rebuild more than once.
Sediqullah Atal was the first to go, edging Hasan Mahmud behind for 17. Shahidullah Kamal also fell after the Lunch interval, dismissed by Ebadot Hossain’s short-pitched delivery. The early wickets left Afghanistan needing a substantial partnership to prevent Bangladesh from gaining a decisive advantage.
Rahmat found that support in Abdul Malik. The pair added 70 runs for the third wicket, combining careful defence with timely scoring to steady the innings through the afternoon. Malik grew in confidence as the partnership developed and reached his maiden Test half-century, giving Afghanistan a much-needed platform.
Two Quick Wickets Shift the Momentum
Bangladesh broke through soon after Tea. In the first over of the evening session, Malik attempted a loose drive against Ebadot and edged the ball to the wicketkeeper. He departed for 62, ending a partnership that had helped Afghanistan regain some composure.
The pressure increased in the following over when captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Afghanistan had slipped to 139 for 4, and Bangladesh were suddenly in a position to expose the lower order and push for a lead before the end of the day.
Instead, Rahmat and Ikram responded with a determined stand. They resisted the temptation to force the pace, judged the variable bounce carefully and made Bangladesh work for every opportunity. Their approach was especially important after the quick loss of two established batters: preserving wickets gave Afghanistan a chance to narrow the deficit on the third morning.
Rahmat Shah’s Composure Gives Afghanistan Hope
Rahmat’s unbeaten 84 was the defining innings of the day. Rather than chasing quick runs, he focused on occupying the crease and making the most of scoring opportunities when Bangladesh missed their lengths. His calm presence helped stabilise the innings after the middle-order setbacks and provided a clear foundation for the remaining batters.
Ikram’s unbeaten 26 added further value. The wicketkeeper played a supporting role, staying alongside Rahmat and helping Afghanistan reach stumps without another loss. Their partnership of 72 is not yet enough to erase the deficit, but it has changed the feel of the match: Bangladesh have the lead, while Afghanistan have regained some control after a difficult passage.
What to Watch on Day Three
Afghanistan will begin the next day 135 runs behind, with six wickets still in hand. A strong opening partnership between Rahmat and Ikram could bring the deficit down quickly and put pressure back on Bangladesh. If Rahmat can convert his half-century into a three-figure score, Afghanistan may have a realistic chance of moving into a position to challenge for a first-innings lead.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to break the partnership early. Ebadot has already taken two wickets, while Mehidy’s dismissal of Shahidi showed that spin can also create opportunities. The bowlers will need to maintain discipline and exploit the uneven bounce without allowing Rahmat to settle further.
Any cricket prediction after two days remains uncertain. Bangladesh have the advantage on the scoreboard, but Afghanistan’s late resistance has kept the match open. The first session on Day Three could prove decisive: another quick burst of wickets would restore Bangladesh’s control, while a long Rahmat–Ikram stand would bring Afghanistan much closer to parity.
Day Two: Match Summary
Bangladesh: 346 all out in 92.3 overs — Tanzid Hasan Tamim 83, Shadman Islam 67, Litton Das 53, Nayeem Hasan 35 not out; Mohammad Saleem Safi 4/82, Yamin Ahmadzai 3/79.
Afghanistan: 211/4 in 79 overs — Rahmat Shah 84 not out, Abdul Malik 62, Ikram Alikhil 26 not out; Ebadot Hossain 2/50. Afghanistan trail by 135 runs.
