Bangladesh build strong platform against Afghanistan on opening day

Bangladesh made a strong start to their one-off Test against Afghanistan, reaching 317 for eight at stumps on the opening day at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh laid a solid foundation through an impressive opening partnership between Tanzid Hasan and Shadman Islam. The pair added 124 runs for the first wicket, putting the Afghan bowlers under pressure early in the innings.

Tanzid was the more aggressive of the two, smashing 83 off just 71 balls with eight fours and four sixes. His attacking approach gave Bangladesh early momentum before Ismat Alam ended the partnership, with wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil completing the catch.

Shadman provided stability at the other end, compiling 67 from 111 deliveries with seven boundaries. His half-century helped Bangladesh maintain control even after Tanzid's departure.

Mominul Haque added a useful 39 off 70 balls, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 29 from 42 deliveries. Afghanistan fought back in the middle session, taking wickets at regular intervals, including Mushfiqur Rahim, who was dismissed for a duck.

With Bangladesh under pressure at 225 for five, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped steady the innings. Litton played a valuable knock of 53 off 89 balls, including four fours, while Mehidy contributed 24 before Afghanistan broke the partnership.

Despite losing wickets towards the latter part of the day, Bangladesh crossed the 300-run mark and retained two wickets at the close. Nayeem Hasan was unbeaten on 11 and Taijul Islam on four.

Mohammad Saleem Safi led Afghanistan's bowling with three wickets, while Yamin Ahmadzai and Ismat Alam claimed two apiece.

Bangladesh will look to add further runs on the second morning and push their total towards a more imposing score. Their strong opening stand and contributions from the middle order have given them a promising platform, although Afghanistan's late fightback means the first innings is not yet complete.