Tigers let victory slip as Afghanistan hold firm for draw

Bangladesh came within two wickets of victory but could not finish the job as Afghanistan battled through 142 overs in their second innings to secure a draw in the one-off Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 479, Afghanistan finished on 346 for eight, surviving sustained pressure from Bangladesh's bowlers to frustrate the visitors after five days of hard-fought cricket.

Bangladesh had taken control of the contest with a first-innings lead of 106 runs, bowling Afghanistan out for 240 after posting 346. Hasan Mahmud produced a memorable performance with the ball, claiming a hat-trick as the Afghan innings collapsed.

The visitors strengthened their position further in the second innings, declaring at 372 for seven to set Afghanistan an imposing target. Litton Das led the charge with a superb 102 off 117 balls, while Najmul Hossain Shanto made 82 and Mushfiqur Rahim added 81. Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten on 52, helping Bangladesh build a commanding position.

The target appeared beyond Afghanistan's reach, but their batters showed remarkable patience and determination. Sediqullah Atal anchored the chase with a marathon 111 from 332 deliveries, combining discipline with timely aggression to keep Bangladesh at bay for much of the final innings.

Rahmat Shah contributed 51, while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 36 and Ikram Alikhil made 33. Their efforts ensured Afghanistan remained in contention despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Bangladesh's bowlers continued to threaten, with Mehidy taking three wickets and Ebadot Hossain claiming three. Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam also struck, but the hosts' resistance proved decisive as the match moved towards its conclusion.

The final phase brought Bangladesh close to a deserved win, yet Afghanistan's lower order refused to surrender. Qais Ahmad scored 49 from 80 balls, providing crucial support as the visitors searched for the final breakthrough. He and Zia-ur-Rehman, who remained unbeaten on nought, helped Afghanistan reach 346 for eight before time ran out.

The draw will feel like a missed opportunity for Bangladesh, who had built a substantial advantage through strong batting and Hasan's outstanding first-innings bowling. Their inability to claim the final two wickets, however, denied them a victory that had looked firmly within reach.

For Afghanistan, the result reflected a determined fightback under pressure. For Bangladesh, it offered both encouragement from a strong overall performance and a reminder that a commanding position must be converted into a result.