Afghanistan vs Bangladesh AFG and BAN in UAE, One-off Test, 2026

SIX! What a way to finish the Test! Taijul Islam gives this some more air, full and on middle. Qais Ahmad clears his front leg away and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He shares a warm hug with his partner at the other end, and this has been a monumental effort from the Afghans. THE TEST MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW!

Short again, on off, Qais Ahmad punches it to short cover again. Claps all around as Afghanistan know they have done it.

Drops it short, around off, Qais Ahmad stays back and stabs it out to short cover. Two balls to survive now.

Flighted, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad defends it on the front foot.

SIX! That's some shot under the circumstances! Floated, full and around middle. Qais Ahmad hits through the line, dispatching it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Final over of the Test coming up now.

Quicke, full and on middle, Zia-ur-Rehman strides out to push it but gets an inside edge to square leg.

Slows it up, full and on off, Zia-ur-Rehman lunges out and dead-bats it.

A bit short, turning down the leg side, Zia-ur-Rehman leaves it alone.

Tossed up, full and on off, Zia-ur-Rehman defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle, Zia-ur-Rehman prods forward and blocks it out.

Flatter, short and on leg, Zia-ur-Rehman pats it to shrot leg.

We will get maybe a couple of more overs, as there are still 5 minutes left to the cut-off time, which is 1.10 pm GMT. Zia-ur-Rehman pulls out late, with some movement around the sighing screen.

Too full, on off, Qais Ahmad lunges and blocks it to mid off.

An arm ball, on off, Qais Ahmad punches it to cover.

Much fuller, on middle, Qais Ahmad blocks it back to the bowler.

A full toss, down the leg side, Qais Ahmad goes down on one knee and looks to slog it but wears it on his pads. An appeal but turned down. It was going down leg.

Qais Ahmad is on the ground, struggling with some cramps. He went down like someone had shot him in the leg, and we have seen it before. Remember Gulbadin Naib in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh. Qais is receiving a bit of a massage, but more importantly, eating up valuable time. All good to go again.

Flatter, on middle, Qais Ahmad stabs it back to the bowler.

Fired in, on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it back to the bowler.

Swing and a miss! Turn and bounce, outside off, Zia-ur-Rehman looks to block it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Zia-ur-Rehman eases it to point.

Arm ball, on off, Zia-ur-Rehman flicks it to mid-wicket.

Keeps it outside off, Zia-ur-Rehman flicks it to mid-wicket.

Keeps it full, on off, Zia-ur-Rehman eases it back to the bowler again.

Fullish, on off, Zia-ur-Rehman lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Qais is living dangerously here! Tossed up, on off, Qais Ahmad shimmies down the ground and lofts it over mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! That is a great shot! Short and wide, Qais Ahmad picks it well and slaps it through point for a boundary.

Tossed up, on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it off his front foot.

Much fuller, on off, Qais Ahmad leans on and blocks it back to the bowler.

Quicker, on off, Qais Ahmad stabs it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Qais Ahmad eases it to mid on.

This is going down to the wire. Bangladesh still have a chance to win this game. Zia-ur-Rehman comes out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Well, well, well. Is there a twist in the tale? Mehidy Hasan Miraz flights it up, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai leans on to block but gets an inside edge. Mominul Haque at short leg, reacts sharply, dives forward and takes a magnificent catch. He manages to hold on to it near his chest. Bangladesh are just 2 wickets away now, but they only have another 3 overs left.

Quicker, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai eases it to cover.

Just short! A bit short, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai blicmsboy. The ball falls just short of the fielder at short leg.

FOUR! That will put the bowler off! Down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai gets down on one knee and helps it through fine leg for a boundary.

Quicker, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stabs it to mid off.

Fired in, on middle, Qais Ahmad taps it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on off, Qais Ahmad eases it to mid off.

That was close! Short, on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it. The ball bounces and goes over the stumps and towards the keeper. Nothing is going Bangladesh's way at the moment.

Keeps it full, on leg, Qais Ahmad stabs it mid on.

Fullish, on off, Qais Ahmad stabs it to short cover.

Short and down leg, Qais Ahmad looks to pull it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They two leg byes.

Final 5 overs to go in this Test match. Afghanistan are almost there, but Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad will have keep focus till the end.

Slows it up, full and on off, turns in sharply. Yamin Ahmadzai lunges out to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Looped above the eyeline of the batter, short and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and keeps it out.

Flatter, full and around leg, Yamin Ahmadzai clips it through backward square leg.

Flighted, full and down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai gets down and tries to paddle but misses. Litton Das collects the ball and throws it at the stumps, but Yamin is inside his crease.

A low full toss, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai bunts it out towards mid off.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai knocks it down the pitch.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad turns it to the leg side.

Flatter, full and on off, Qais Ahmad drills it to mid off.

A bit short, around off, turns away. Qais Ahmad tries to cut but misses.

Flighted, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Qais Ahmad knocks it to mid off.

Floated, full and on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it out.

Qais Ahmad is having trouble with his helmet again. The camera pans to Rashid Khan, who is enjoying the match from the stands.

Loops it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai is solid in his defense.

A bit quicker, shortish and on midle, Yamin Ahmadzai pats it back to the bowler.

Slows it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai taps it to the off side.

A bit short, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai keeps it out on the pitch.

Flatter, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and blocks it out.

FOUR! Glanced away! Floated, full and on middle, turns in sharply. Yamin Ahmadzai tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Darts this one, full and on off, Qais Ahmad drills it to mid off. Maiden over!

Slows it up, full and on middle and leg, Qais Ahmad lets it hit his pads again.

Flighted, full and on leg, turns away, Qais Ahmad pads it away. A shout for LBW, but turned down. Pitching outside leg.

Tossed up, full and on off, Qais Ahmad defends it on the front foot.

Short and on off, Qais Ahmad stabs it out to short cover.

Floated, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad jams it back to the bowler.

Qais Ahmad gets a helmet replacemet.

Fires this one, full and turning down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai fails to glance it away.

DROPPED! Bangladesh are not taking the chances coming towards them. More air on this one, full and on middle, turns in. Qais Ahmad uses his feet and slogs it away but gets not timing. It flies towards deep mid-wicket, where Hasan Mahmud comes forward and tries to take it with both hadns to his right but spills it. They cross. Qais Ahmad is living life on the edge here.

FOUR! Good shot! Flatter, shortish and just outside off. Qais Ahmad extends his arms and drives it square through point as the ball trickles to the fence for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on off, turns in, Qais Ahmad strides out to push it away but gets an inside edge past short leg.

Big shout for LBW, but turned down! Floated, short and on middle, turns in a bit. Qais Ahmad offers no shot at it and let it hit his back thigh. Litton Das look very confident and convinces Najmul Hossain Shanto to take the review. Ball Tracking shwos that it is missing the leg stump. The on-field call of Not Out stays. A review burned.

Tossed up and on off. Qais Ahmad uses his feet to take it on the full and dills it to mid off.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz replaces Taijul Islam.

Much fuller, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai knocks it to mid off.

A yorker, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai digs it to cover.

Back of a length, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai flicks it to square leg.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai has a waft at it but misses.

Short again, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks again.

Bangs it short, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks under it.

Too full, on middle, Qais Ahmad lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Quicker, on leg, Qais Ahmad flicks it to mid-wicket.

A bit short, on leg, Qais Ahmad fends it to the off side.

Too full, on leg, Qais Ahmad flicks it to mid-wicket.

A bit short, on leg, Qais Ahmad stabs it to the leg side.

Nice and full, on middle, Qais Ahmad pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Slightly down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai picks it well and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary.

A bouncer, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks underneath it.

Too full, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai digs it to the off side.

Down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Short, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks under it.

Bangs it short, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai sways away from it.

FOUR! That's a nice shot! Tossed up, on off, Qais Ahmad picks it well and chips it magnificently over the bowler's head for a boundary.

A bit short, on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it back to the bowler.

Quicker, on off, Qais Ahmad flicks it to mid-wicket.

Turning away, on off, Qais Ahmad fends it away from the fielder at silly point. The ball landed to the right of the fielder but there was no chance to take the catch.

Much fuller, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards square leg. They cross.

Fullish, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai flicks it to mid-wicket.

Angling in, on off, Qais Ahmad stabs it back to the bowler.

A slower bouncer, outside off, Qais Ahmad leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on off, Qais Ahmad punches it to cover. Taijul Islam dives to his right and makes a good stop. Dot.

Bangs it short, on off, Qais Ahmad tugs it to mid-wicket.

Keeps it full, Qais Ahmad stabs it to mid off.

Full and straight, Qais Ahmad flicks it to mid-wicket.

DRINKS! Just 15 more overs left in this Test match. Afghanistan need 177 runs which seems way out of the reach but the question is can they bat the remaining 15 overs and end the game in a draw? Bangladesh will be hoping to get a breakthrough and pick up the remaining 3 wickets. Let's see how it ends...

Short and wide, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Huge appeal but nothing from the umpire! Turn and bounce, outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to block it but misses. A loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. They collect against the review.

Quicker, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai fends it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Qais Ahmad knocks it to mid off for a single.

Gives it air, on off, Qais Ahmad eases it back to the bowler.

Down the leg side, Qais Ahmad blocks it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Tossed up, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai stabs it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Quicker, on leg, Qais Ahmad taps it to extra cover for a single.

Fullish, on off, Qais Ahmad pushes it to mid off.

300 comes up for Afghanistan! Fullish, on off, Qais Ahmad digs it to mid off for a single. Afghanistan needs 179 runs to win which seems way too difficult as there are only 17 overs remaining. Bangladesh need 3 more wicket for the victory.

Fired in, on off, Qais Ahmad blocks it to mid on.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad blocks it out.

FOUR! Dragged back, on middle, Qais Ahmad rocks back and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Fine shot! Floated, full and on off, Qais Ahmad takes a big stride out and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

More air on this one, full and on off, Qais Ahmad fends it away.

Quicker, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad drills it to mid on for a one.

Loopy one, full and on off, Qais Ahmad negotiates it well.

Flatter, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad blocks it out.

Flighted, full and on off, Qais Ahmad taps it to the off side.

Another run out chance goes begging! Floated, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai taps it towards point and sets off for the run. Najmul Hossain Shanto from firs slip runs towards the ball, slides and throws it to the bowler's end, where Nayeem breaks the stumps, but Yamin just drags his bat inside. The replay confirms it as well. These two batters need to calm thier nerves down.

Absolute chaos in the middle! Tossed up, full and on off, Qais Ahmad gets forward and steers it towards the vacant backward point region for a single. He turns around for the second run, but Yamin Ahmadzai has no interest and sends him back when he is halfway through. He is gone for all money as the throw comes to the bowler's end, where Nayeem collects it and, instead of giving it to Mehidy, who is standing at the stumps, throws it and misses the stumps. Qais survives and this could be a huge moment in this Test.

Loopy one, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai is solid in his defense again.

The ball hits the stumps but the bails do not come off! A bit short, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and keeps it out off the bottom edge. It bounces on the pitch and rolls back towards the stumps. Yamin tries to kick it away but fails to do so. The ball hits the stumps but the bails do no fall. Bangladesh players are in disbelief.

Darts this one, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai turns it to the leg side.

Flatter, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai opens the bat face and steers it to point.

Tossed up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai lunges out and dead-bats it.

Loops it up, full and on middle, Qais Ahmad knocks it down the pitch.

Dragged back, on off, Qais Ahmad dabs it down towards point.

The physio is in and is applying some magic spray on the elbow of Qais Ahmad.

Flighted, full and on off, Qais Ahmad comes down the track and fends it back to the bowler. Nayeem Hasan gets the ball and throws it at the batter's end, where it hits Qais on his left elbow. He is clearly not happy with Nayeem, who raises a hand of apology.

SIX! Clean strike! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in. Qais Ahmad gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Floated, full and on off, Qais Ahmad stays back in his crease and keeps it out.

Flatter, short and on middle and leg, Qais Ahmad backs away to pull but gets hurried and miscues it off the bottom edge to the leg side.

Slows it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it out.

Quicker, full and on off, Qais Ahmad clips it towards backward square leg for a single.

The nelson has worked for Bangladesh. Qais Ahmad walks out to bat.

OUT! BAT PAD AND GONE! Finally, Sediqullah Atal's resistance has been broken, and Bangladesh will feel that they have the opening to win this Test now. Taijul Islam gets his first wicket of this Test, and arguably the most important one in the context of this game. This is floated, full and on off, grips and turns in sharply. Sediqullah Atal steps acoss but does not commit forward fully and gets tanlged up, truing to defend. It takes the inside edge and lobs up off his pads. Tanzid Hasan at short leg takes a dolly and Bangladesh players are absolure delighted, with the umpire also raising his finger. However, Atal takes the review, but does not look that confident. UltraEdge confirms the inside edge and Atal slowly drags himself off the field, but to a big round of applause from the Afghan dug out. Bangladesh are three wickets away from the win now.

Short and around leg, Sediqullah Atal nudges it to square leg.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! Tossed up, full and on off, lands in the rough and turns in sharply. Sediqullah Atal gets drawn forward to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge. It misses the stumps and beats Litton Das as well, racing to the fence behind for a boundary.

Flatter, short and on off, turns in sharply. Sediqullah Atal steps across and clips it to short mid-wicket.

Another maiden over! Slower through the air, full and just outside off, turns in with sharp bounce. Yamin Ahmadzai offers no shot at it.

Flatter, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai turns it to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on off, turns in. Yamin Ahmadzai leans out and to defend but gets an inside edge through backward square leg. Atal wants the run but is set back.

Flighted, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it out.

Shorter in length and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and pats it to silly point.

Maiden over! Slows it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Drags his length back, on off, turns in sharply. Sediqullah Atal steps across and fends it to short mid-wicket.

Flatter, short and outside off, skids through. Sediqullah Atal tries to cut it away but misses.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to short mid-wicket.

A bit short, around off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets forward and knocks it back to the bowler.

Yamin Ahmadzai survives! Flatter, full and on middle, YA defends it on the front foot.

A bit short, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and pats it down to first slip.

Flighted, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai watches it through and defends it right under his eyes.

Floated, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai prods forward and blocks it out.

Short again, on middle, Sediqullah Atal stays back and nudges it towards square leg for a single. Four balls to survive for Yamin Ahmadzai.

Shorter in length and on off, Sediqullah Atal stabs it on the bounce to silly point. It hits his pads and rolls to short leg.

More air one this one, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai is solid in his defense again.

Fires this one, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai knocks it down the pitch.

How did that miss the stumps? Flighted, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai lunges out and plays for the turn but the ball keeps straight beating the inside edge and misses the off pole by a whisker.

Slows it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai strides out and steers it to the right of first slip.

Floated, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai prods frward and taps it to silly point.

Short of a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal rides the bounce and keeps it out on the pitch.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal lets it go. Hasan has overstepped here. No Ball called.

FOUR! Gets it away! Hits the deck hard, angling down the leg side. Sediqullah Atal waits for it and just taps it on its head to help it to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Much fuller, on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out well.

Back of a length and just around off, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Another bumper, around leg, Sediqullah Atal ducks underneath again.

A bouncer, on middle, Sediqullah Atal ducks under it.

Looped up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai opens the bat face and steers it to backward point.

Flighted, full and just around off, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Flatter, full and on lg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through square leg for a single.

A bit short, on off, Sediqullah Atal moves back and pats it down the pitch.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it down the pitch.

On a length and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai pats it to short cover.

Short of a length and on off, nips back in. Yamin Ahmadzai hops up to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

A silly point and short leg in place now.

Touch fuller and on off, shaping in, Yamin Ahmadzai pushes it to short cover.

Bangs in a sharp bouncer, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks under it well. Gets a thumbs-up from Atal.

FOUR! Nice shot! Good length and around off. Yamin Ahmadzai opens the bat face and uses the pace to steer it wide of gully for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, angling in, Yamin Ahmadzai hops up and pats it down the pitch.

Loopy one, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal taps it to the off side.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the pitch.

Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal taps it to short cover.

Goes short, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it towards square leg.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai strides out to defend but gets an outside edge through the vacant first slip region for a single.

Overpitched and on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it to mid off. Another maiden over!

Bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Full again and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets forward and fends it away to short cover.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Fuller in length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Hasan Mahmud will bowl from the other end.

A bit quicker, shortish and on middle, skids through, Yamin Ahmadzai gets hurried but manages to keep it out. Maiden over!

Slows it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai knocks it to short cover.

Just wide! Slows it up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai gets forward to play but gets an outside edge. It goes in the air but drops wide of first slip.

Looped up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai fends it to the off side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Floated, short and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai stays back and blocks it out.

We are back for one final time in this Test! The players are already out in the middle. Yamin Ahmadzai and Sediqullah Atal will continue batting for Afghanistan. Taijul Islam will bowl after the break. Let's go...

... DAY 5, SESSION 3 ...

A tense final session beckons - Having taken a blow from a throw earlier in the day, Hashmatullah Shahidi retired hurt in considerable pain before returning at the fall of the 5th wicket. Just when it seemed Atal and Shahidi would see out the remainder of the session, the skipper played an inexplicable shot to throw his wicket away. With a minimum of 42 overs left in the game, Bangladesh will head into the final session with renewed belief and will fancy their chances of wrapping up the game. Afghanistan's tail will have to dig deep and bat out of their skins to support Sediqullah Atal and pull off a famous draw. Can the Afghans hold on, or will Bangladesh close out the win? The final session is expected to begin at 11 am GMT, so do join us then.

Atal stands tall - The post-lunch session began with the second new ball just around the corner, and Afghanistan had every reason to be cautious after what happened in the first innings. The new ball had triggered a collapse then, undoing all their good work, and they were keen to avoid a repeat. Sediqullah Atal got a reprieve on 70 when Litton Das missed a stumping chance, and the left-hander made the most of that let-off to bring up his maiden Test hundred. Ismat Alam, meanwhile, wasn't entirely convincing with his footwork but managed to hang around for as long as he did.

10.41 am GMT - TEA, DAY 5 - Bangladesh picked up two wickets in the session, and Hashmatullah Shahidi's dismissal in the closing stages could prove to be the defining moment in the game. They have managed to open up one end, leaving Sediqullah Atal with a big job on his hands alongside the tail if Afghanistan are to save the Test.

Fires this one, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal opens the bat face and steers it to point. Maiden over to end the session, and that will be TEA ON DAY 5!

Drops it short, around off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to cover.

Flatter, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal turns it past short leg.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal fends it to the left of short cover.

Floated, short and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and pats it back to the bowler.

Bangladesh will squeeze in one more over before Tea. It will be Mehidy Hasan Miraz to bowl.

Slows it up, full and around off, Yamin Ahmadzai prods forward but leaves it alone.

A loopy low full toss, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai knocks it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai defends it on the front foot.

Goes short again, on off, Sediqullah Atal works it to long on for a single.

Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal strides out and taps it to short cover.

Shorter in length, on off, Sediqullah Atal steps across and blocks it out.

Looped up, full and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it out.

Quicker, shortish and on off, Yamin Ahmadzai taps it to short cover.

A crushing blow for Afghanistan just moments before the Tea break. Yamin Ahmadzai walks out to the middle. A slip, a leg slip, a silly point and a short leg in place for the new batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Hashmatullah Shahidi, what have you done? Just like before Lunch, Bangladesh have struck right before Tea as well, but this wicket has been gifted to them. Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowls this a bit flatter, full and on middle. Shahidi uses his feet and tries to slog across the line but gets a bit too close to the ball and fails to free his arms. He hits it off the inside half of the bat as the ball flies straight to mid on, where Hasan Mahmud takes an easy reverse cup catch. Sediqullah Atal at the other end is bemused at his partner. Hashmatullah Shahidi can't stop shaking his head and will not want to face his coach or teammates.

Arm ball, full and angling into leg, Sediqullah Atal works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

Shadman Islam comes in close at silly point.

Floated, full and on off, turns away a bit. Sediqullah Atal strides across to block but gets it off the outer half of the bat as the ball rolls to the off side.

Tosses it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pushes it back to the bowler.

More air on this one, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi negotiates it well.

Pushed through quicker, short and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back to play at it but gets a bottom edge onto his boot.

Flatter, full and around off. Hashmatullah Shahidi steps across, opens the bat face and steers it to point.

Flighted, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, turns in. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets foward and fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal drills it towards long on for a single.

Darts this one, full and on leg, angles in and keeps low. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets stuck in his crease but manages to get his bat down in time to keep it out. End of a probing maiden over!

Slows it up, full and on middle and off, Hashmatullah Shahidi is solid in his defense.

Flighted, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it down the pitch.

Much quicker, short and on off, skids through. Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it away to point.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle and leg, going in with the arm. Hashmatullah Shahidi prods forward to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Drops it short, on off, Sediqullah Atal steps across and keeps it out to the leg side.

Slows it up, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi strides out and pushes it towards cover for a single.

FOUR! A boundary now! Flatter, full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

SIX! Up, up and away! Flighted, full and on middle and off. Hashmatullah Shahidi skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a biggie. His knee seems to be fine now.

Floated, full and on off, turns in. Hashmatullah Shahidi stays very deep in his crease and turns it to the leg side. Risky to play Taijul on the back foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi knocks it down the pitch.

The magic spray is out for Sediqullah Atal, who took a blow to the elbow in the previous over. A change in bowling as Taijul Islam comes on.

Flatter, short and just outside off, Sediqullah Atal offers no shot at it. Two maiden overs in a row!

Is that a drop? Not really! Mehidy Hasan Miraz gives this one some more air, full and on middle, turns away. Sediqullah Atal goes down for the sweep but misses. It pops up off his elbow, and Litton Das, the keeper, runs in front and dives but fails to grab it.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal lunges out to defend but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Floated, short and on leg again, Sediqullah Atal stays back to clip it away but misses as the ball goes off the pads to leg slip.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal prods forward and blocks it out.

A full toss, on middle. Hashmatullah Shahidi is surprised and cannot make the most of it, drilling it to mid on.

Bangs in a bouncer, on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks under it.

Shadman Islam is off the field to receive treatment for the blow he took to his wrist in Hasan Mahmud's over. Soumya Sarkar is on the field as the substitute.

Short of a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi rides the bounce well and pats it down the pitch.

Much fuller and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steps across again, loses his bottom hand and drives it tamely to short cover.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steps across to get behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Fuller in length and in the channel outside off, holds its line. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

A bit too full and bowled quicker through the air. Shahidi firms the drive to cover and hurries to the other end. At the end of 100 overs, Afghanistan are 251/5 with a minimum of 40 overs left in the game.

Not all that short and it is not that wide either, on off. Shahidi makes room to force it through the off side. Chops it down the strip.

Fired in full and on middle. Shahidi knocks it to mid-wicket.

Offers flight, fuller and on middle. Hashmatullah blocks it out by getting forward.

Short and flat from around the wicket, on middle. Shahidi defends it off the back foot.

Flighted up, on the pads. Atal nudges it past the man at short leg and crosses over. The 250 comes up for Afghanistan.

Fuller in length, on middle. Shahidi pushes it back past the bowler, playing it too straight as the ball hits the stumps at the bowling end.

On a back of a length, on middle and leg. Shahidi gets behind the line and taps it down the deck.

Fuller and on off. Shahidi dabs it down on the off side.

Lands it full and it is pushed across the off stump again. Hashmatullah Shahidi is beaten on the outside edge on the block. After the edge fell short of the slip cordon earlier in the over, the third slip has moved in close under the helmet.

Wide. Dug in short, too high, over middle. Hashmatullah ducks under it. Given as a wide for height.

No Ball! Angled away again, on a short of a length. Hashmatullah offers no shot. Hasan has overstepped.

FOUR! Edged away. Moving away with the angle, on a length. Shahidi presents a straight bat for the block, but the ball takes the outside edge and goes on the bounce to the slip cordon. Shadman Islam at third slip dives to his right as the ball comes to him on the bounce. Gets hit on the wrist before the ball goes behind towards the fence.

Across off, on a good length. Atal glides it behind point for a single.

Darted in at the sticks, Shahidi defends it out watchfully.

Flatter and angled in on a good length. Shahidi goes deep in the crease to defend.

Afghanistan lose half their side now. Hashmatullah Shahidi comes out to bat after retiring hurt due to a knee injury earlier.

OUT! TAKEN! Mehidy Hasan Miraz breaks through for Bangladesh. Ismat Alam's vigil comes to an end. Flighted up, on off. Ismat reaches out in front and plays for the turn, but this ball goes on with the arm to graze the outside edge. It pings the keeper on the right knee and lobs over the head of Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip. Shanto is aware of where the ball is, and he turns around to gobble it up safely. Afghanistan are now 5 down for 242, with still a minimum of 42.2 overs left in the day.

Full and pushed through, on middle. Alam pushes it to mid on.

Spinning back in, on a good length, on middle, that is flicked away but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

Floated up, on off. Ismat lunges for the block.

FOUR! 'Come on' is the cry from Sediqullah Atal as he brings up his HUNDRED. Maiden Test ton for the talented left-hander, and what a time to get it, with his side having their backs against the wall. Into the deck, on off. Atal swivels and has more of a jab than a pull, playing it over square leg for a boundary. According to the on-air commentators, this is the first century by an Afghanistan batter in the fourth innings of a Test match. The job is far from done for Atal, though, as there is still plenty of work to do to save this Test.

This is on the fuller side, around off. Sediqullah is drawn forward and pushes at the ball slightly. It leaves him to take the outside edge and it dribbles to gully.

Slanting back in at the hips. Ismat nurdles it behind square leg and turns the strike over.

Pushed across the left-hander, a bit fuller. Atal drops it in front of cover and moves to 96 with this single.

Angled in before straightening off the deck, on a nagging length, on off. Alam does well to let the ball come and he does not jab at the ball. Guides it down with soft hands past third slip and takes a single.

Full and tailing back in, on middle. Ismat gets his bat out in front of the front pad to clip it to mid-wicket.

Switches to around the wicket and this is darted in, fractionally short, on middle. Sediqullah stays back to block.

Slows it down, full and on middle. Atal gets forward to smother the spin.

Pushed through, on middle. Atal rocks back and just about manages to get his bat in line with the ball. Inside edges it to square leg.

Flighted down leg, on the fuller side. Atal sweeps it down to deep fine leg. Nayeem Hasan sprints to his left in the deep but can't pick the ball up in one go, allowing the batters to sneak in the second run.

Flatter and on a length, on off. Atal defends with the bat close to the front pad.

From over the wicket, tossed up, on middle. Atal presses forward for the block.

So close! Hasan pushes the length up and attacks the off stump. Ismat does not cover the stumps and makes the leave. The ball nips back to whistle past the woodwork, missing the off stump by a coat of varnish.

Dishes out a bumper, on off. Ismat presses up on his toes and sways away to let the ball pass.

Lands it fuller by going wide on the crease, outside off. Alam leans half-forward and defends a bit inside the line. The ball dribbles off the outer half to gully.

Over off, banged in short. Alam drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the ball.

In and around the off stump, on the shorter side. Alam covers the line and defends it well.

Hooping back in off the seam, on a back of a length, on middle. Alam hops back and stabs it down.

DRINKS BREAK! Afghanistan have come through the first hour unscathed, with a minimum of 46 overs left in the Test. Apart from a stumping chance that went begging when Sediqullah Atal was on 70, Bangladesh have struggled to create opportunities with the second new ball. The longer this partnership lasts, the more frustrating it will get for the bowlers, but patience is key. They must resist the temptation to force things and trust that one breakthrough could open the floodgates. Also, Hasan Mahmud will bowl after the break.

Flatter, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal is solid in his defense.

More air on this one, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal fends it down the pitch.

FOUR! Move into the 90s now! Flatter, full and around leg. Sediqullah Atal goes down on one knee and swipes it away to the vacant deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal lunges out early and dead-bats it right under his eyes.

Floats it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal prods forward and blocks it out.

It will be spin from both ends now as Mehidy Hasan Miraz comes on. 15-3-47-0 so far for Miraz.

Slower through the air, full and around off, Sediqullah Atal lobs it over extra cover for one.

FOUR! Up and over! Taijul Islam gives this some more air, full and on off. Sediqullah Atal hits through the line and lofts it down the ground. He does not get it from the middle of the bat clears mid off easily for a boundary. According to the on-air commentators, this is now Atal's highest first-class score.

Goes a bit short, around off, Ismat Alam punches it through cover-point for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ismat Alam prods forward and blocks it out.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal drills it to long on for a run.

Ismat Alam is finally off the mark on his 45th delivery! Floated, full and on off, Alam gets forward and guides it off the outer half of the bat past first slip for a single. A big smile on his face.

Ismat Alam has faced 44 balls but is yet to get off the mark. The record for the most balls faced before scoring the first run in Test cricket belongs to England's John Murray, who took 80 deliveries to get off the mark.

Back-to-back maiden overs! Back of a length and on midle, Sediqullah Atal stays back and pats it down the pitch.

Overpitched and on off, Sediqullah Atal drills it towards mid off.

Sticks to the fuller length, on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal knocks it towards mid on.

Pitched up and in the channel outside off, holds its line. Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Ebadot Hossain takes a leaf out of Stuart Broad’s book as he swaps the bails at the bowler's end.

Full again and around off, Sediqullah Atal reaches out and looks to drive it away but gets a bottom edge towards short cover.

Appeal for LBW, but turned down! Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in sharply. Sediqullah Atal's head falls over to the off side and he misses his flick to get hit on the pads. Probably going down the leg side.

Dragged back, on middle, Ismat Alam stays back and pats it towards short mid-wicket.

Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, skids through. Ismat Alam gets hurried but just about manages to get bat on ball to keep it out to the off side.

Looped up, full and on off. Ismat Alam lunges out and taps it to silly point, who throws it at the stumps, but Alam never left the crease.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ismat Alam defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and around off, Ismat Alam strides out and steers it wide of slips.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ismat Alam bunts it out towards mid off.

Much fuller and on off, angling away, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Dug into the surface, around leg, Sediqullah Atal taps the ball on its head and nudges it towards deep fine leg, where Taijul Islam fumbles and allows the second run.

Hard length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Fine shot! Short of a length and on middle and leg. Sediqullah Atal picks up the length early, rolls his wrists and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Just back of a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal stays back and blocks it out.

Good length and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Contrary to what we were expecting, Ebadot Hossain replaces Hasan Mahmud. Ebadot will have to wait before he can start his spell, as Ismat Alam has called the physio. Ismat seems to have pulled up a muscle. Alam is back on his feet and we are ready to resume.

Looped up, full and on off, Ismat Alam drills it to short cover. He is yet to get off the mark.

Flatter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal lunges out and jams it out towards point for a single.

Slower through the air, full and around middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal turns it to the leg side.

Ebadot Hossain is limbering up, so we might see him being introduced soon, most likely from Taijul's end.

Nicely bowled! Flighted, full and around off, does not spin much. Sediqullah Atal gets drawn forward to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

Hooping back in late, fuller and at 131.7 kph, on off. Ismat just about gets his bat down to stab it down.

Into the deck, on middle. Ismat hops and rides the bounce to drop it beside the strip on the leg side.

From around the wicket now, angled in at the hips. Atal nurdles it square on the leg side for a single.

FOUR! Not in control but safe. Banged in short, over off. Atal pivots for the pull but does not quite go through with the shot and leaves his bat hanging when the ball arrives. It takes the top edge and sails over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Across off, on a good length. Atal shoulders arms.

Bowled on a length, shaping back in on middle. Sediqullah leans forward to block it out.

Flatter and slightly shorter. Ismat hangs back and cuts it late towards backward point. Just 6 runs scored in 8 overs since the start of the session but Afghanistan won't mind it as saving the Test is the priority here.

Slower and on a good length, on off. Ismat taps it down the deck.

Full and fired in at the stumps. Ismat covers the line and defends.

Around off, that is punched off the back foot towards cover for a single.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere. Spinning back in sharply with bounce. Atal rocks back to block it out but the ball kicks up to catch the splice of the bat. Luckily for him, it drops safely, out of reach of the man at short leg to his right.

Wide on off, on the shorter side, turning back a bit. Atal shuffles across to defend.

Over the off stump, on a short of a length. Ismat keeps it out off the back foot.

Beaten again! Fuller in length, just outside the off stump. Alam leans across to defend but the ball moves away off the deck to whistle past the blade. 31 balls faced and still no run for Ismat.

Jagging back in towards the off pole, on a good length. Ismat gets on top of the bounce and steers it to backward point.

A beauty by Mahmud! Angled in before cutting away off the seam ever so slightly. It keeps low as well but Alam is caught in the crease while trying to deal with it. Gets beaten on the outside edge as Litton Das gathers the ball low to his left.

On the off stump, on a back of a length. Ismat guides it to backward point.

Nipping back in at the sticks. Ismat hangs baqck to defend.

Drops it short, on off. Atal pushes it to cover.

STUMPING CHANCE MISSED! In a Test where Litton Das has been so good, he has given Sediqullah Atal a big reprieve. Tossed up by Taijul, on a good length, around off. Atal dances down the track and tries to launch it back over the bowler's head. He is not to the pitch of the ball, and the ball goes past his blade. Litton is undone by the extra bounce, and he can't gather it cleanly. The ball pops out of his grasp and drops to the ground, allowing Atal to get back in.

Flighted up, aiming for the rough outside the off stump. Atal lunges across and taps it to cover.

Shorter and quicker at 88.2 kph, on off. Sediqullah stabs it down off the back foot.

On a good length, outside off. Atal covers the off stump and lets it go.

This does not turn, full and on off. Atal defends inside the line and gets it off the outer half to backward point.

Beaten! Hasan goes full and gets the ball to curve away a bit. Ismat is drawn forward but is beaten past the outside edge.

Lands it on a good length, honing in on the off stump. Ismat is squared up in defence as the ball straightens off the deck. It goes off the outer half to gully.

In the channel, on a length. Alam shoulders arms.

Pitches it up now, on middle. Alam pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Slanting in from wide of the crease, on a good length, on middle. Alam gets right behind the line to defend.

That took off. Mahmud digs it in short, over middle. Atal ducks under it. The ball keeps rising and Litton Das does well to get a glove on it as he leaps, saving a certain boundary. A man from the slip cordon goes after it and hauls it in as the batters cross for a bye.

Flat and short, on off. Ismat dead-bats it from the crease. 21 balls faced and Alam is yet to get off the mark.

Fuller and attacking the stumps. Alam gets a good stride in and defends.

On off, slightly short. Ismat keeps it out on the off side.

Around off, on the shorter side. Alam stays beside the line and guides it to point.

Tossed up, on off. Alam lunges and smothers the spin.

Darted in on a good length, on middle and leg. Ismat stays rooted to the crease and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Curving back a bit, on a length. Atal knocks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Off the edge. Hasan pushes the length up and he succeeds in drawing the batter forward. Atal does well not to push at the ball with hard hands. The outside edge goes down and through the gap between second slip and gully for a boundary.

Hasan hits the top of off at 131.2 kph. Atal stands tall and pushes it to mid on with a straight bat.

Fuller and a hint of inward shape. Sediqullah plays around his front pad as he clips it to mid-wicket.

Angled away, on a good length. Atal presses half-forward and defends it with soft hands. The ball squirts off the outer half to gully.

A little too straight at the hips. Atal nudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Bangladesh have taken the new ball now. Najmul Hossain Shanto has handed it to the first-innings hat-trick hero, Hasan Mahmud.

Nearly sneaked through. Pushed through towards the off stump. Alam goes back to a ball he was better off being forward to, but manages to keep it out on the off side. Back-to-back maidens to start the session.

Flighted up, in line with the off stump. Alam pushes it to cover.

Spears it in at the toes. Alam gets his bat down and jams it out.

Offers flight, very full, drifting in on middle. Ismat digs it out to silly point.

A hint of turn, on a length, outside off. Ismat reaches across to defend.

Loopy ball, on middle. Alam eases it back to the bowler.

The second new ball is available now. Will Bangladesh take it right away? Not yet. Taijul Islam will share the attack.

Drops it short, on off. Atal dabs it down beside the strip on the off side. A maiden to start with.

The length is pulled back a bit, around off. Atal stabs it down by leaning forward.

A bit of air given, full and on off. Sediqullah defends it off the front foot.

Half a shout for LBW! Sliding on with the arm, full and attacking the front pad. Atal defends with the bat close to the front pad. Interest shown by Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip, but the umpire shakes his head.

Flatter and shorter, on off. Atal attempts the cut but chops it down to cover.

Begins with a flighted delivery from around the wicket, on off. Atal leans across to smother the spin.

We are back for the second session! The players are heading out to the middle now. Sediqullah Atal and Ismat Alam will resume batting for Afghanistan. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...

Bangladesh strike before the break - That prompted Shanto to turn to the short-ball plan with Ebadot Hossain, and it paid off handsomely as he removed Ikram Alikhil just before Lunch, but truly it was Litton Das' stunning catch that deserves the credit. He also became the first keeper in history to be involved in 9 dismissals, score a fifty and a hundred in the same Test. Bangladesh will feel even better knowing the second new ball is due in just one over, and that could prove decisive, just as it did in the first innings. Afghanistan will hope Atal, unbeaten on 66 off 216, gets far more support from the lower order this time, rather than seeing them capitulate as quickly as they did the first time around. Join us around 8.40 am GMT for the post-Lunch session.

Atal leads Afghanistan's fight - The overnight pair of Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi resumed Afghanistan's fight for a draw this morning, but an injury forced Shahidi to retire hurt, dealing them a big blow. That, however, did little to affect Atal, who continued to bat with solid technique and gave very little away on his way to a maiden Test fifty, with Ikram Alikhil providing good support. Taijul Islam bowled well and found some turn from the rough, but not consistently enough to trouble the batters.

8.01 am GMT - LUNCH, DAY 5! A session largely in Afghanistan's favour, with the hosts showing incredible resilience once again, led by Sediqullah Atal, who brought up his maiden Test fifty. However, just when everything seemed to be going Afghanistan's way, Bangladesh struck at the stroke of Lunch, giving them a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the break.

Flatter, short and on off, Ismat Alam stays back and keeps it out to the off side. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5!

Slows it up, full and on off, Ismat Alam lunges out and taps it to silly point.

Slows it up, full and on off, Ismat Alam steers it away to point.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ismat Alam defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and around off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it through covers for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets forward and blocks it out.

Fuller one, on off, Ismat Alam strides out and drives it to mid off.

Pitched up, well outside off, Ismat Alam leaves it alone.

Beaten! Good length and just around off, holds its line. Ismat Alam has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Much fuller and on middle, angling in sharply, Ismat Alam misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

A bouncer to welcome the new batter, on off, Ismat Alam ducks under it.

Disaster for Afghanistan. Ismat Alam walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A superb catch behind the stumps and Ebadot Hossain strikes right at the stroke of Lunch. He lands this short of a length, on middle and leg, angling into the batter. Ikram Alikhil decides to take it on with a hook shot but can only manage to glove it behind. Litton Das anticipates it well, flings himself to his right and grabs a stunner into his right glove. Alikhil is really disappointed with himself as he knows he had done the hard work, but has to walk back now. End of the 66-run stand.

Slightly quicker, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays firmly in his crease and pats it to short leg.

Dragged back, on middle, Sediqullah Atal keeps it out to the leg side.

Floated, full and on off, Ikram Alikhil drives it through covers for a run.

Shorter and on off, Ikram Alikhil cuts it wide of point, where the fielder dives to his left to make the stop.

Flatter, full and around off, a puff of dust is created as the ball hits the deck and turns in sharply. Ikram Alikhil leaves it alone.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it towards cover for a single.

In the blockhole, on middle, angling in, Ikram Alikhil jams it out to short cover.

Hits the deck hard, on middle and leg, Ikram Alikhil stays back and tucks it to short leg.

Dug into the surface, around leg again, Ikram Alikhil ducks under it.

Hard length and angling down the leg side, Ikram Alikhil leaves it alone.

FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length and just around off. Ikram Alikhil sways away from the line of the ball and upper cuts it to the vacant deep third fence for a boundary. 200 up for Afghanistan.

Back of a length and on middle, Ikram Alikhil hops up to ride the bounce and pats it on the pitch.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! Slows it up, full and around off, turns in with a sharp bounce. Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone, and Litton Das also has no chance as the ball goes well over him and rolls to the fence behind for a boundary.

Dragged back, on off, Sediqullah Atal pats it down the pitch.

Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

A bit short, on leg, Sediqullah Atal keeps it out to the leg side.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal prods forward and blocks it out.

Hits the deck hard, on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Sediqullah Atal tries to ride the bounce but takes his eyes off the ball. It hits his elbow and goes past short leg. Leg bye taken.

Back of a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal offers no shot at it.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in and takes off a bit. Sediqullah Atal drops his hands at the last moment and sways away from it.

A short leg is in place now.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Sediqullah Atal ducks once more.

Comes around the wicket, bowls another bumper, on middle, Sediqullah Atal ducks under it again.

On a length and around leg, Ikram Alikhil clips it through square leg for a single.

WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Ikram Alikhil ducks under it. It is called a wide on height.

Ebadot Hossain is back on.

Beaten! Fires this one, full and on off, skids through again and keeps low. Sediqullah Atal tries to play it from the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Flatter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays deep in his crease and keeps it out.

What happened there? Taijul Islam pushes through quicker, shortish and on off, skids through. Sediqullah Atal stays back to work it away but gets hurried and misses as the ball goes off his thigh pad to first slip. He loses his grip on his bat, which falls behind him but somehow misses the stumps. Very lucky for Atal.

Floated, full and around middle, Sediqullah Atal bunts it back to the bowler.

Flatter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal steps across and pats it to short mid-wicket.

SIX! Down the ground! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal uses his feet to get to the pitch of it and launches it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Looped up, full and on off, Ikram Alikhil defends it on the front foot.

Flatter, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil turns it to the leg side.

FOUR! Good intent! Short and outside off. Ikram Alikhil does not miss out as he extends his arms and cuts it away to the deep point fence for a boundary.

Shorter in length, on middle and leg, Ikram Alikhil flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on off, turns away with extra bounce. Ikram Alikhil lunges out to defend but gets an outside edge along the ground towards point.

Quicker, short and on off, Ikram Alikhil stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Drags his length back, on off, Ikram Alikhil punches it towards cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Put away! Flatter, full and around leg. Ikram Alikhil gets down on one knee and paddles it away with the turn towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, drifts and turns in sharply. Ikram Alikhil gets foward to defend but misses a the ball pops up off his pads to the leg side.

A bit short, on middle, turns in a bit, Ikram Alikhil tucks it away to short leg.

Floated, full and on off, Ikram Alikhil lunges out and dead-bats it.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil prods forward and blocks it out.

Slows it up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal is solid in his defense again.

Flighted, full and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Short again and on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to extra cover.

Floated, full and around middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Drags his length back, on middle, Sediqullah Atal stays back and and tries to pull it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Big shout for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and around middle, angling in. Sediqullah Atal uses his feet and tries to block it with his bat and pad close to each other, but gets hit on the pads first as he plays down the wrong line. Shanto has a chat with his players but does not take the review.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil turns it past short leg.

Pushed through quicker, short again, on middle. Ikram Alikhil gets deep inside the crease and fends it away.

Flatter, short and on middle, Ikram Alikhil stays back and keeps it out to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil blocks it down the pitch.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil tucks it to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Nice shot! Shorter in length and around off. Ikram Alikhil rocks back and uses the width on offer to cut it away through point. Najmul Hossain Shanto chases after it and dives but the ball wins the race to the fence for a boundary.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal negotiates it well.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Short and on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to extra cover.

A loopy full toss, on middle and leg, Ikram Alikhil flicks it towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region for three runs.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ikram Alikhil prods forward and blocks it out.

Shorter in length and on off, Ikram Alikhil stabs it out to short cover.

Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal steps across and knocks it back to the bowler.

Another short delivery, on middle, turns in, Sediqullah Atal nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Dragged back, outside off, Ikram Alikhil uses the depth of the crease and cuts it away through point for three runs.

Shorter in length, on off, Ikram Alikhil moves back and pats it to short cover.

Tossed up, full and around off, turns in. Ikram Alikhil strides out to defend but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls past short leg.

Floated, short and on off, turns in, Ikram Alikhil pats it to short mid-wicket.

Fires this one, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the pitch.

Drops it short, around off, Sediqullah Atal moves back and stabs it out to short cover.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal lunges out and dead-bats it.

Flatter, full and on off, turns away. Sediqullah Atal leans out and fends it away.

Floated, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal prods forward and blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ikram Alikhil taps it to the left of the bowler for a quick single.

Goes short again, on off, turns in. Sediqullah Atal stays deep inside his crease and fends it away.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Drags his length back, on off, Sediqullah Atal keeps it out to the off side.

SIX! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and around middle. Sediqullah Atal skips down the track and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

A bit short, on off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and blocks it out.

Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal drills it down the pitch, where Taijul gets a hand on it to make a half-stop.

DRINKS BREAK! Alrighty, we have passed the first hour mark in this final Day of this Test encounter and surely Afghanistan are trying to bat out the whole Day. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Sediqullah Atal started really well to resume their knock, but a painful blow to his right knee resulted in him walking off the field. However, Ikram Alikhil did really well to settle things down and then came a big moment for the 25-year-old, as he got to his maiden half-century in red ball cricket. Both batters will look to continue their innings until the end of the session.

Pitches it up, around off, Ikram Alikhil eases it back to the bowler.

Fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil defends it down.

A tad fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil drives it to mid off.

A touch fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil fends it to silly point.

On a length, outside off, Ikram Alikhil leaves it.

Change of ends for Mehidy Hasan Miraz! Fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil defends it toward cover.

Risky one! Short of a length, around off, turning it down the leg side. Sediqullah Atal yet again goes deep into the crease and clips it away. However, there is a leg slip placed for these kinds of chances, but the ball beats the fielder short and left. Brace taken by the batter.

Short again, on off, Sediqullah Atal bunts it to the leg side.

Tossed up, on the fuller side, pitching it on off and turning in. Sediqullah Atal goes deep into the crease, covering the stumps and tucks it to the right of short leg.

Fullish, on off, Atal strides out and defends it back to the bowler.

Short of a length, pitching it just outside off and turning in. Atal dabs it down the deck.

Fuller, on middle, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will get some rest and Taijul Islam will replace him now.

Good-length delivery, pitching it on the fifth stump and nipping in. Ikram Alikhil lunges to cover the off stump and lifts his willow up to make way for the delivery.

Short of a length, outside off, shaping in late. Ikram Alikhil is not interested in playing that shot.

Bouncer now from Hossain, over middle. Ikram Alikhil ducks underneath.

FIFTY FOR ATAL! A massive day for the 25-year-old as he gets to his maiden Test cricket half-century. This will surely give him a good morale boost to cruise even further. Back of a length, around off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to wide of cover and gets across to reach his milestone.

Much better! Hits the deck hard, just outside off, shaping in. Sediqullah Atal looks to punch it toward cover, but cramps for room and gets the inside edge before it hits the boots and rolls away to cover.

A touch fuller, outside off, Sediqullah Atal shoulders arms at it. Ebadot Hossain has to keep his line closer to the stumps.

Quicker and fuller, on middle, Ikram Alikhil nudges it to the left of the bowler.

Slightly behind the fuller length, just outside off. Ikram Alikhil fends it to cover.

Flatter and fuller, around off. Ikram Alikhil defends it to cover.

Flighted and fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil strides out and defends it to the right of the bowler.

A touch fuller, around off, Atal goes deep into the crease and clips it to square leg for a single. Sediqullah Atal moves to 49 now!

Short, on off, Sediqullah Atal blocks it down.

There's no such appeal for LBW, but still Bangladesh goes for it and Litton Das feels there's a chance. Ebadot Hossain pitches it just a shade behind the good length, just outside off, shaping in. Ikram Alikhil looks to flick it, but the ball nips away at the very last moment to beat the batter on the outside edge and hits the pad. Well, the Ball Tracking shows that it bounces well over the stumps. Bangladesh lose their first review and they have 2 left in the bank.

Pitches it fuller, on the fifth stump. Ikram Alikhil drives it well toward the left of Mominul Haque, in the cover region, who dives and parries it further. However, the wide mid off fielder moves to his right and saves it. No runs taken!

Hits the deck hard, over middle, Sediqullah Atal pulls it to deep backward square leg and gets across.

Just a shade behind the good length, angling away from the left-hander. Atal makes a good leave.

Back of a length, on off, Sediqullah Atal dabs it to cover.

Full-length delivery, on middle and off. Sediqullah Atal gets on his front foot and defend it to mid off.

First change on Day 5 and it's Ebadot Hossain ready to fire from over the wicket.

Drags his length back, does Miraz, around off, Ikram Alikhil nudges it to mid-wicket.

Short, around off, Ikram Alikhil knocks it to extra cover.

Tossed up, fuller, on off, Ikram Alikhil drives it gently toward the off side and the short cover fielder does well to dive to his left and make a stop.

Pitches it up, around off, Ikram Alikhil eases it to the off side.

Short of a length, just outside off, Ikram Alikhil punches it to cover.

Short, around off, Ikram Alikhil dabs it to cover.

Back of a length, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal bunts it to cover.

Bumper, over middle. Sediqullah Atal looks to go for a half-hearted pull, but gets beaten on the top edge.

On a nagging length, just outside off. Sediqullah Atal dabs it from the inner part of his bat, back to the bowler.

Full, on off, Atal defends it down.

Back of a length, on off, Sediqullah Atal dabs it down the deck.

On the fuller side, attacking the off stump. Ikram Alikhil clips it away to short fine leg and gets across. 150 up for Afghanistan and they need 329 more runs to win it.

Tossed up, fuller, on middle, Sediqullah Atal defends it down.

Short of a length, around middle. Sediqullah Atal flicks it a little late to get past the range of the short leg fielder. It passes the right of the short fine leg fielder and the batter gets another brace.

Full, on middle, defended by Atal.

Short of a length, angling in, around the pads, Sediqullah Atal clips it to deep square leg and gets a couple of runs.

FOUR! Up and over! A bit of aggressive intent from Atal. Pitches it a touch fuller, just outside off, trying to turn it away. Sediqullah Atal skips down the track to get to the pitch of the delivery and opens the plate of his bat to punch it over cover for four runs.

Short, just outside off, turning away. Sediqullah Atal punches it to cover.

Back of a length, around off, Ikram Alikhil knocks it toward mid-wicket.

On a nagging length, keeping the line outside off, Ikram Alikhil lets it through.

Short of a length, angling in, Sediqullah Atal gets on his back foot and pulls it to deep backward square leg for one.

Pitches it up, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal taps it to the left of the bowler.

Just a shade behind the good length, on top of the off stump. Sediqullah Atal camps back and dabs it back to the bowler.

Hasan Mahmud comes around the wicket this time for the lefty. Bowls on the back of a good length, around off. Sediqullah Atal rocks back and looks to defend, but gets nicked off the inside edge before it rolls to square leg.

Fuller in length, around off, Alikhil bunts it down.

Short, on off and middle. Ikram Alikhil tucks it to short leg.

FOUR! Oh, that's a terrific shot from Alikhil! Slightly tossed up, fuller, just outside off. Ikram Alikhil plants his front foot toward the leg side of the delivery and drills it hard through cover-point for four runs.

Full, on off, Alikhil eases it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off. Ikram Alikhil strides out and defends it down.

Much quicker from Miraz, shorter as well, attacking the middle stump. Ikram Alikhil hangs back and blocks it down.

Fuller in length, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to mid off.

Back of a length, over off. Sediqullah Atal rocks back and dabs it down.

A tad fuller, pitching it just outside off and slanting it away. Sediqullah Atal yet again shoulders arms.

On a nagging length, shaping it wide across the stumps. Sediqullah Atal shoulders arms at it.

A touch fuller, outside off, Sediqullah Atal makes a leave at it.

Pitches it up, on off, shaping away. Sediqullah Atal dead-bats it down.

Short of a length, around middle. Ikram Alikhil defends it down the deck.

Full, on middle, Ikram Alikhil defends it back to the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is down on the ground. The physio comes out running and checks on the issue. Shahidi is in agony. Uh oh, he can't even walk properly and is currently being carried toward the pavilion.  Ikram Alikhil walks out next. This is a very bad news for Afghanistan fans.

Ouch! Hashmatullah Shahidi is looking in some discomfort and is unable to continue. A blow to the batting team as Hashmatullah Shahidi is retired hurt.

Fuller, around middle and leg. Sediqullah Atal looks to defend it on his front foot, but the ball catches the inside edge and rolls toward square leg. Single taken. The fielder in the region has a shy at the striker's end and it hits the right knee of Shahidi.

Drags his length, just a shade behind, pitching it around off and turning away. Sediqullah Atal gets on his front foot and defends it from the sticker part of his bat. The ball flies low to the right of the silly point fielder.

Fuller, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal defends it toward the left of silly point.

Pitches it up, on off, Atal defends it from his front foot.

Good length, pitching it well outside off and shaping it away. Shahidi makes a leave at it.

Bangs a bumper, over middle. Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks underneath.

Full-length delivery, on off, shaping away. Shahidi defends it to cover.

Full, at the stumps, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it out.

On a length, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it to cover.

A touch fuller, on the pads, Sediqullah Atal clips it to mid-wicket for one.

Who will bowl from the other end? Hasan Mahmud it is!

Pitches it up, on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it to long off for a single.

Full-length delivery, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to cover.

Pitches it fuller, around off, Sediqullah Atal eases it to cover.

Tossed up, around off, fuller, Atal defends it down.

Pitches it up, around the leg stump. Sediqullah Atal looks to flick, but gets the leading edge and it bounces off toward the right of silli point.

Short, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes to cover for one.

All set to start! The players have already taken over the field and it's Mehidy Hasan Miraz to start things off for the final Day of this test match. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Sediqullah Atal will be looking forward to continue their innings. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof and Naveen-ul-Haq alongside the pitch with their valuable insights. They both analyzed the fourth-day surface, noting that the pitch has held up exceptionally well and continues to play like a true batting track. Naveen highlighted that the surface has shown minimal deterioration, with seamers taking 25 wickets compared to just 5 by the spinners. Maharoof pointed out that the key battle of the day involves Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam operating from the Grand Stand end against Afghanistan's left-handed batters, Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi and Ikram Alikhil. Naveen agreed, noting visible rough spots outside the off stump that Taijul will target to exploit the angle against the left-handers. However, Maharoof emphasized that despite these conditions, the Afghan batters can successfully secure a draw if they stick to a solid, disciplined defensive approach.

Up for a quick chat - The head coach of Afghanistan, Richard Pybus, starts off by expressing overall satisfaction with Afghanistan's resilience and progress, noting that despite lapses during a couple of sessions caused by extreme heat and inexperience, he was deeply proud of how hard the squad fought to stay alive in the Test match. Looking at the tactical challenge ahead, Pybus emphasizes the necessity of taking the game one session at a time on a surface that remains good for batting despite emerging rough for the spinners. He stressed that the players must maintain an aggressive, positive mindset in their defense, body language, and mental approach throughout the long three-session day. Pybus highlighted that saving the Test match would represent a special and historic achievement for Afghanistan. To achieve that outcome, he pointed to the vital lesson of avoiding focus drift, emphasizing that the players must learn to reset their focus every session and sustain pressure consistently when competing against top-tier opposition.

Steady hands, stark equation - For Afghanistan, the equation is stark but not impossible, and their two overnight batters hold the key to everything. Sediqullah Atal was unbeaten on 35 and Hashmatullah Shahidi on 19 at the close of Day 4, with the pair having steadied the innings after three early blows threatened to make the final day a formality. Shahidi’s experience and unflappable temperament make him the most important batter Afghanistan have at the crease right now.

Bangladesh declare big - Litton Das struck a superb century as Bangladesh declared on 372 for 7, setting Afghanistan a formidable target of 479 to win. It was a declaration that reeked of confidence, Bangladesh’s bowlers have been outstanding throughout this Test, and the management clearly felt they had more than enough on the board to bowl Afghanistan out on a Day 5 surface that is expected to offer sharp turn and uneven bounce. Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers in Afghanistan’s first innings, finishing with seven wickets, and on a fifth-day pitch in Abu Dhabi, he will be licking his lips at what lies ahead this morning.

Grettings folks - Hello and a very warm welcome to what promises to be one of the most gripping final days of Test cricket in recent memory. Afghanistan closed Day 4 on 132 for 3 after 50 overs, still requiring 347 more runs to win, a target that is, by any measure, a mountain to climb. But with a full Day of cricket remaining, seven wickets in hand, and a pair of set batters at the crease, this match is very much alive. Test cricket, at its purest and most beautiful, awaits at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

... DAY 5, SESSION ONE ...

One final day to decide - That brings us to the end of a batting-heavy Day 4, with Bangladesh still firmly in control but Afghanistan showing tremendous fight to keep their hopes of saving the Test alive. The fifth and final day promises an intriguing battle as the hosts look to hold their ground and the visitors push for a finish. Play resumes on Tuesday, 13 October, at 6 am GMT, so join us early for all the build-up ahead of what could be a fascinating conclusion. Cheers!

A quick chat - Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal is pleased with their batting effort on Day 4 and hopes to continue in the same vein on the final day. He says the focus is on batting longer, ideally until the final session, while keeping the approach simple and sticking to the basics. He adds that the team is looking to find a way to win the match, despite the challenging situation. Atal also speaks highly of batting alongside Rahmat Shah, praising his captain's form and ability to read the situation and communicate what is required ball by ball. He says batting with Rahmat makes him feel relaxed and considers himself fortunate to have spent time at the crease with him. On the technical adjustments he has made, Atal reveals that conversations about South African greats Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers have helped him understand how to prepare for Test cricket. Rahmat shared several things for him to focus on, and Atal intends to work on those aspects whenever he gets the opportunity. Reflecting on his Test experience, Atal notes that his previous appearances came in matches that lasted only two or three days, unlike the ongoing contest. The heat, coupled with Bangladesh's lengthy partnership, has made this a demanding game, but he is keen to learn as much as possible about red-ball cricket whenever he gets the chance. Looking ahead to the final day, Atal says he will try to remain fully focused and bat through the day. He also acknowledges that transitioning from T20 cricket to the longer format requires considerable discipline, particularly when it comes to controlling his shots and resisting the urge to attack deliveries he might otherwise target in white-ball cricket. Atal adds that he wants to become an all-format player rather than limit himself to white-ball cricket, and is determined to enjoy and learn from these experiences.

Afghan resistance - Afghanistan showed greater resolve in the final session, with Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal stitching together an 82-run stand to take the hosts to 110/3, focusing on occupying the crease rather than scoring freely. Rahmat brought up a fighting fifty but fell to Ebadot Hossain soon after, having earlier survived a couple of chances offered by Bangladesh in the field. His dismissal gave the visitors renewed confidence, but Atal held firm at one end on 35* off 126 balls while Hashmatullah Shahidi rode his luck to see out the session. Afghanistan finished the day with their hopes of saving the Test still alive, setting up an intriguing final day.

Litton's century sets up a declaration - Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued to pile on the runs after lunch, with Litton completing a magnificent century and Mehidy bringing up a well-deserved fifty before Bangladesh declared at 372/7, setting Afghanistan a daunting target of 479. The hosts' chase got off to a shaky start as Abdul Malik fell early to Ebadot Hossain before Hasan Mahmud dismissed Shahidullah Kamal, who once again struggled against the short ball. With both Bangladesh pacers striking, Afghanistan were left reeling at 51/2 at Tea, with Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal tasked with rebuilding the innings.

Bangladesh tighten their grip - Bangladesh dominated the first session of Day 4, adding 114 runs without losing a wicket to stretch their lead to 443 at Lunch. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz frustrated Afghanistan with an unbeaten 114-run partnership, with Litton moving to 81 and Mehidy reaching 38. Afghanistan missed several chances to break the stand, allowing the pair to capitalise and put the visitors firmly in control.

1.34 pm GMT - STUMPS, DAY 4! As we head into the final day, credit must go to Afghanistan for showing tremendous determination and resilience to keep their hopes of saving the Test alive. Just four wickets fell on Day 4, the fewest in any day of the match, suggesting the pitch has held up well and giving the hosts some reason to believe a draw is possible. It remains a tall ask, but after a day that looked unlikely to offer them much hope, Afghanistan have given themselves a fighting chance, and cricket can always spring a surprise.

Comes 'over the wicket, serves this full, on middle and off, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out solidly. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4!

Attempted yorker, but serves a full toss, on off, Sediqullah Atal jams it out to mid off.

On a length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it through covers for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pulls it away to deep square leg for a single.

Good length and on off, jags back in sharply. Sediqullah Atal trusts his judgment and leaves it alone. It wasn't far away from the off pole.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal knocks it towards mid on.

The final over of the day is coming up now.

A slower one, full toss, on middle, dips in. Hashmatullah Shahidi knocks it to mid on.

Back of a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal guides it through point for a run.

Fuller and around off, angling away, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is hobbling a bit and maybe suffering from some cramps. The physio is in to check on him. Ebadot Hossain is smiling and gesturing that this might be time-wasting tactics. All good to resume.

Fuller and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi strides out and drives it firmly through covers. Mominul Haque dives to his left but fails to get a hand on it. However, the ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence, and Mominul gets to it. Three taken.

Short of a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi hops up and blocks it out.

Back of a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Hits the deck hard, on middle, angling in, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back and keeps it out.

Much fuller and just outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi reaches out and bunts it towards extra cover.

Hard length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi guides it away to backward point.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks under it.

EDGED AND FOUR! Hasan Mahmud bowls this on a good length and just around off, shaping away. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to drive it on the up but gets a thick outside edge. It flies between third slip and gully for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pats it to short cover.

Switches the angle again, bowls this full, on middle, attacking the stumps. Sediqullah Atal bunts it out to mid on. Maiden over!

Pitched up and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets half-forward and taps it to short cover.

Comes 'over the wicket, serves this full and on off, angling away. Sediqullah Atal shoulders arms to it.

Back of a length and on off, angling in, Sediqullah Atal stabs it out to the off side.

Touch fuller and on off, shaping away, Sediqullah Atal lets it go to the keeper.

Good-length delivery and around off, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

A bit short, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pats it back to the bowler.

Darts this one, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi drills it back to the bowler.

Slows it up, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi fends it to the off side.

SIX! Gives the charge, does Hashmatullah Shahidi! Flighted, full and on middle and off. Shahidi comes down the track and drags his slog against the turn, sending the ball over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Floated, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi prods forward and blocks it out.

Pulls his length back and around off, Sediqullah Atal offers no shot at it.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal fends it to the leg side.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Sediqullah Atal stays back and pats it down the pitch.

Good length and in the channel outside off, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

Bangs this into the pitch, around off, Sediqullah Atal swats it off the bottom edge towards mid-wicket.

Back of a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal reaches out and steers it to gully.

Looped up, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi taps it to short cover.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it on the front foot.

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Tossed up, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi taps it to short cover.

FOUR! Good shot! Dragged back, on middle. Hashmatullah Shahidi rocks back quickly and heaves it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Floated, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it out.

Hard length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it towards extra cover for a single. Nelson on the board.

Hits the deck hard, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi offers no shot at it.

Short of a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it away towards point.

Back of a length and around off, holds its line, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

Fuller and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it out.

The Afghan resistance has been broken. Hashmatullah Shahidi is the next man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Fifty and out for Rahmat Shah, who just stands there in disbelief. This is on a good length and just on off, threatens to angle in but straightens off the deck. Shah has a poke at it without moving his feet much. Gets a faint outside edge behind, where Litton Das makes no mistake. Ebadot brings out his trademark salute celebration. End of the 82-run stand, and Bangladesh will feel this is an opening for them. Afghanistan are 110/3, still needing 369 runs.

Shortish and on off, Sediqullah Atal keeps it out to the off side.

Flatter, full and on off, Rahmat Shah uses his feet and drills it to long on for a single.

A bit short and on middle, Rahmat Shah stays back and blocks it out.

SIX! FIFTY FOR SHAH! A hundred in the first innings, followed by a half-century, and the Afghan skipper is leading from the front. Flighted, full and on off, Rahmat Shah skips down the track and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie. Just a raise of the bat, as he knows the job is far from done here.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rahmat Shah pushes it to short cover.

Floated, full and on middle, angling in. Sediqullah Atal gets forward to defend but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

DRINKS! Now, this partnership between Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal is starting to frustrate Bangladesh. Both the batters are looking solid out there, and their main aim will be to see the rest of the session out without losing any wickets. They have applied good technique and showed patience tackling whatever has been thrown at them. Bangladesh will still feel that they have control of this game and that breaking this stand will open the floodgates, but in the last hour or so, they have not been able to create any clear-cut chances, which will make them rethink a few things. Also, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will bowl after the break.

Back to the fuller length, on middle, Rahmat Shah fends it away.

A bouncer, on middle, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Rahmat Shah drills it to mid on.

Back of a length and on middle, jags back in, Rahmat Shah hops up and pats it down the pitch.

Pitched up and on the pads, Sediqullah Atal flicks it through square leg for a single.

Fuller and on off, angling in, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Goes short, on off, Rahmat Shah punches it towards cover.

FOUR! Gets it away! Floated, full but around leg. Rahmat Shah gets down on one knee and nails the sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary. 100 up for Afghanistan!

Drags his length back, on off, Rahmat Shah moves back and punches it to short cover.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rahmat Shah prods forward and blocks it out.

Flatter, full and on leg, angling in, Rahmat Shah stabs it to the right of the bowler.

Short and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.

Change? Not yet. Taijul Islam continues.

Pitched up, on middle, angling in, Rahmat Shah blocks it out solidly back to the bowler.

Short of a length and on off, Rahmat Shah dabs it down to point.

Looks like Rahmat Shah needs a bit of medical attention. Also, we can see Mehidy Hasan Miraz doing his stretches, so maybe Taijul Islam will get a rest.

A low full toss, on off, Rahmat Shah drills it to mid off.

Good length and around off, Rahmat Shah opens the bat face and guides it through point for a brace.

Back of a length and on off, nips back in. Rahmat Shah rides the bounce and keeps it out.

Fuller and around leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it towards backward square leg and sets off for the run. Taijul Islam moves to his left and stops it with his foot. There is a slight mix-up between the batters but no harm done.

Pace back on with Ebadot Hossain.

Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, skids through. Rahmat Shah backs away and punches it to cover-point.

Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in. Rahmat Shah uses his feet to drive but gets a bottom edge to mid on.

Slows it up, full and on off, turns away. Rahmat Shah watches it through and fends it right under his eyes.

Flighted, full and around off, Rahmat Shah taps it to the off side.

Floated, full and on off, Rahmat Shah uses his feet and knocks it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rahmat Shah drives it to mid off.

Fires this one, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Flatter, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal turns it to the leg side.

Flighted, full and on off, turns away, Sediqullah Atal defends it on the front foot.

Dragged back, on off, Rahmat Shah backs away and punches it through cover-point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rahmat Shah bunts it to the left of the bowler.

Floated, short and on middle, Rahmat Shah pats it back to the bowler.