Bangladesh close in on victory as Afghanistan face 347-run chase

Bangladesh strengthened their position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan as the hosts reached 132 for three at the close of the fourth day on Monday, still needing 347 runs to win with seven wickets remaining.

Chasing a formidable target of 479, Afghanistan made a cautious start to their second innings at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Hashmatullah Shahidi was unbeaten on 19, while Sediqullah Atal had made 35 at stumps.
Bangladesh need seven wickets on the final day to secure victory, while Afghanistan must produce a substantial batting effort to pull off an unlikely chase.

Bangladesh had built their commanding position through a strong first innings and a decisive bowling performance. They scored 346 before dismissing Afghanistan for 240, taking a first-innings lead of 106 runs.
Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer in that innings, claiming five wickets for 55 runs, including a hat-trick. He became only the third Bangladesh bowler to achieve the feat in Test cricket, joining Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi.

Ebadot Hossain also made a major contribution, taking four wickets for 56 runs as Afghanistan lost their last six wickets for just 21 runs. Captain Rahmat Shah fought back with an unbeaten 105, but received insufficient support from the other batters.

Bangladesh then consolidated their advantage in the second innings, declaring at 372 for seven. Litton Das scored a century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim made important contributions of 82 and 81 respectively.

Afghanistan will need a determined effort from their remaining batters to keep the contest alive. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to maintain pressure and finish the job with the ball on the final day.