Rahmat stands firm as Afghanistan keep Bangladesh at bay

Bangladesh retained the upper hand in their one-off Test against Afghanistan but could not turn their first-innings advantage into a commanding position, as the visitors reached 211 for four at stumps on the second day in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Bangladesh, resuming at 317 for eight, added 29 runs before being bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 35 off 67 balls, providing useful runs from the lower order, while Taijul Islam made nine. Mohammad Saleem Safi finished with four wickets for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan suffered an early setback when Hasan Mahmud removed Sediqullah Atal for 17. Abdul Malik and Shahidullah Kamal then helped steady the innings, but Ebadot Hossain broke their stand by dismissing Shahidullah for 20, leaving Afghanistan at 64 for two.

Malik and captain Rahmat Shah subsequently mounted a determined recovery. They negotiated Bangladesh's attack through a lengthy partnership, reducing the deficit and preventing the bowlers from making further inroads for a considerable period.

Malik brought up a half-century and eventually scored 62 off 120 deliveries. His dismissal at 134 gave Bangladesh a much-needed breakthrough, but the respite was brief. Hashmatullah Shahidi fell for a duck soon afterwards, leaving Afghanistan at 139 for four.

Rahmat, however, remained composed as wickets fell around him. He reached an unbeaten 84 from 186 balls, striking six boundaries, and found valuable support from wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil, who was 26 not out off 91 deliveries at the close.

The pair added an unbroken stand that carried Afghanistan to 211 for four after 79 overs. The visitors still trailed by 135 runs, but their recovery had prevented Bangladesh from building a more substantial lead.

Bangladesh will look to strike early on the third morning, break the Rahmat-Ikram partnership and expose Afghanistan's lower order. 

With a 135-run advantage already secured, the Tigers remain in a favourable position and will aim to strengthen their grip on the match by taking wickets before the visitors can close the gap significantly.