Rahmat Shah's unbeaten 84 keeps Afghanistan in the fight against Bangladesh on Day 2
toi
newspoint|11-10-2026
Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah led a determined fightback with an unbeaten 84 as the hosts reached 211/4 at stumps on Day 2 of the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Despite losing four wickets, Afghanistan recovered through a crucial partnership between Rahmat and Ikram Alikhil to trail Bangladesh by 135 runs.
Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 317/8, were bowled out for 346 in their first innings before their bowlers struck at regular intervals to put Afghanistan under pressure.
Bangladesh bowled out for 346
Bangladesh added 29 runs to their overnight total before losing their final two wickets. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 35 as Afghanistan wrapped up the innings. Mohammad Saleem led the bowling effort with four wickets for 82 runs, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three wickets for 79 runs.
Afghanistan lose four wickets despite Malik's fifty
Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh an early breakthrough by dismissing Sediqullah Atal after the opener made 17. Ebadot Hossain then removed Kamal and Abdul Malik, who had scored 62, including a maiden Test half-century.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz added to Afghanistan's troubles by dismissing captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at four wickets down.
With Afghanistan under pressure, Rahmat and Alikhil combined to rebuild the innings. Rahmat played with composure and aggression, reaching 84 not out off 186 balls, while Alikhil provided valuable support.
The pair added an unbeaten 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take Afghanistan to 211/4 at stumps. Afghanistan still trail by 135 runs, leaving Day 3 finely poised. Bangladesh will look for early wickets to expose the lower order, while Rahmat and Alikhil will aim to narrow the deficit and put their side in a stronger position.
Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 317/8, were bowled out for 346 in their first innings before their bowlers struck at regular intervals to put Afghanistan under pressure.
Bangladesh bowled out for 346
Bangladesh added 29 runs to their overnight total before losing their final two wickets. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 35 as Afghanistan wrapped up the innings. Mohammad Saleem led the bowling effort with four wickets for 82 runs, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three wickets for 79 runs.
Afghanistan lose four wickets despite Malik's fifty
Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh an early breakthrough by dismissing Sediqullah Atal after the opener made 17. Ebadot Hossain then removed Kamal and Abdul Malik, who had scored 62, including a maiden Test half-century.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz added to Afghanistan's troubles by dismissing captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at four wickets down.
With Afghanistan under pressure, Rahmat and Alikhil combined to rebuild the innings. Rahmat played with composure and aggression, reaching 84 not out off 186 balls, while Alikhil provided valuable support.
The pair added an unbeaten 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take Afghanistan to 211/4 at stumps. Afghanistan still trail by 135 runs, leaving Day 3 finely poised. Bangladesh will look for early wickets to expose the lower order, while Rahmat and Alikhil will aim to narrow the deficit and put their side in a stronger position.
