Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah made a battling 84 not out to keep his side in the contest on the second day of its one-off Test against Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Facing hot and dry conditions, Rahmat stood tall for his side with a patient innings that lasted 186 balls to bring his team 135 runs away from parity at the close of play.
Bangladesh began the day on 317 for eight, but added only 29 more before losing its final two wickets of the day. Mohammad Saleem had Taijul Islam caught behind before Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed Ebadot Hossain to complete the first innings.
Saleem finished the pick of the bowlers with figures of four for 82.
Sediqullah Atal and Shahidullah both got starts for Afghanistan, but were unable to kick on before falling to Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot respectively.
The latter’s wicket brought Rahmat to the crease, and the Afghan skipper stitched a 70-run partnership with opener Abdul Malik for the third wicket.
Malik reached his maiden Test half-century before feathering a catch behind off Ebadot, and Hashmatuallah Shahidi fell soon after stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil came to the crease, and reached Stumps on 26 not out to leave Afghanistan 211 for four at the close of play.
Published on Oct 10, 2026
