Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, One-Off Test: Shanto and Mushfiqur Extend Bangladesh’s Lead After Hasan Mahmud’s Hat-Trick

Bangladesh strengthened their position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim produced a crucial partnership on Day 3 in Abu Dhabi. Their batting effort followed a historic performance from fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, whose hat-trick helped Bangladesh bowl Afghanistan out for 240 in their first innings.

At stumps on the third day, Bangladesh had reached 223/6 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 329 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. With two days remaining, Bangladesh were in a strong position to put Afghanistan under significant pressure.

Hasan Mahmud Creates History With Test Hat-Trick

Hasan Mahmud delivered the defining bowling performance of the match on the third morning, becoming the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket.

Afghanistan resumed their first innings at 211/4, hoping to build on a promising second-day performance. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers took advantage of the conditions and the second new ball to trigger a dramatic collapse.

Mahmud removed Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar with three consecutive deliveries, completing a memorable hat-trick. He subsequently dismissed another batter to finish with figures of 5/55 from 21 overs, recording his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

His performance was especially significant because it made him the third Bangladesh player overall to register a Test hat-trick, following Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi.

Mahmud’s spell also helped Bangladesh prevent Afghanistan from building a substantial first-innings advantage.

Rahmat Shah’s Century Keeps Afghanistan Competitive

Despite the collapse around him, Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah continued to fight with a determined batting performance.

Rahmat remained unbeaten on 105 off 216 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes. His century was a major milestone, making him the first Afghanistan cricketer to score a Test hundred on his debut as captain.

Abdul Malik also contributed significantly, scoring 62 off 120 deliveries. Their efforts had helped Afghanistan recover from early setbacks and reach 211/4 at the beginning of the third day.

However, the lower order could not provide enough support once Mahmud and the other Bangladesh bowlers found their rhythm.

Afghanistan were eventually dismissed for 240 in 89.1 overs, conceding a first-innings deficit of 106 runs after Bangladesh had posted 346.

Ebadot Hossain Supports Mahmud With Four Wickets

While Mahmud captured the headlines with his hat-trick, Ebadot Hossain also played an important role in Bangladesh’s bowling effort.

Ebadot finished with figures of 4/56 from 15.1 overs, removing key batters and ensuring Afghanistan could not recover after losing wickets in quick succession.

The combined impact of Mahmud and Ebadot proved decisive. Afghanistan’s innings had shown signs of stability through Rahmat and Malik, but Bangladesh’s pace attack took control when it mattered most.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the other wicket, finishing with 1/41.

Bangladesh Build a Strong Second-Innings Lead

With a 106-run first-innings advantage, Bangladesh began their second innings looking to extend the lead and put Afghanistan under pressure.

Openers Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan Tamim could not reproduce their first-innings partnership. Shadman was dismissed for 13, while Tanzid made 31 from 38 balls. Mominul Haque scored seven as Afghanistan’s bowlers picked up early wickets.

The innings needed a substantial partnership, and Shanto and Mushfiqur delivered exactly that.

The pair combined experience, patience and disciplined shot selection to rebuild the innings. Their partnership of 159 runs for the fourth wicket shifted the momentum firmly towards Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur contributed 81 off 148 balls, including nine boundaries. Shanto, meanwhile, produced a composed 82 from 191 deliveries, striking five fours.

Their partnership was particularly important because Bangladesh had slipped to 53/3 before the two experienced batters took control. They negotiated long spells and limited Afghanistan’s opportunities to force another collapse.

Mushfiqur eventually departed at 212, ending the partnership, before Shanto was dismissed for 82 at 222. Hasan Mahmud also fell shortly afterwards, leaving Bangladesh at 223/6 at stumps.

Litton Das was unbeaten on five, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz yet to score.

Afghanistan Face a Difficult Fourth-Day Challenge

Bangladesh’s 329-run lead puts them in a commanding position heading into Day 4. Their immediate priority will be to add more runs, strengthen their advantage and decide when to declare their second innings.