Abu Dhabi – October 13, 2026: Afghanistan produced a tremendous display of resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought draw against Bangladesh in the one-off Test match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
A maiden Test century from
Sediqullah Atal, a fighting hundred from captain Rahmat Shah in the first
innings, and a composed, determined and a spirited final-day performance from
the Afghan lower order ensured that the AfghanAtalan held firm under pressure
to deny Bangladesh victory.
After conceding a first-innings
lead, Afghanistan faced a daunting task in the final innings. However, the
Afghan batters displayed tremendous patience and character, with Atal leading
the resistance through a magnificent 111 off 332 deliveries. Valuable
contributions from several teammates and a determined effort from the lower
order ensured Afghanistan reached 315/7 before the match ended in a draw.
After being put into the field,
Afghanistan’s bowlers worked hard to contain the opposition and take wickets on
a challenging surface. Mohammad Saleem Safi led the attack with an impressive
four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/82. Yamin Ahmadzai also delivered
a valuable performance, claiming three wickets for 79 runs, while Ismat Alam
contributed two wickets for just 20 runs.
Despite the Afghan bowlers’
efforts, Bangladesh posted 346 in their first innings. Afghanistan were left
with a challenging task as they prepared to respond with the bat.
Afghanistan’s first-innings
response required patience and determination, and captain Rahmat Shah stepped
up with a magnificent knock of 105 not out off 216 deliveries, including ten
fours and two sixes.
Rahmat demonstrated excellent
composure under pressure, anchoring the innings and keeping Afghanistan
competitive despite wickets falling around him. His century was particularly
significant as he marked his first Test match as Afghanistan’s full-time
captain with an outstanding individual performance.
Abdul Malik provided a valuable
contribution at the top of the order with 62 off 120 deliveries, while Ikram
Alikhil added 32 from 103 balls. The partnership between Rahmat and Ikram
proved important in stabilising the innings and helping Afghanistan build some
momentum.
However, Afghanistan were
eventually dismissed for 240 in 89.1 overs, conceding a first-innings deficit
of 106 runs. Although the team fell short of the opposition’s total, Rahmat’s
century and the contributions from the top and middle order offered encouraging
signs ahead of the remaining contest.
Afghanistan’s bowlers returned to
the field determined to restrict the opposition and keep the match within
reach. Despite an early breakthrough, the Afghan attack faced a challenging
innings as the opposition built a substantial total.
Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar claimed two
wickets for 86 runs, while Yamin Ahmadzai and Mohammad Saleem Safi also
finished with two wickets apiece. Qais Ahmad added another wicket as Afghanistan
continued to search for breakthroughs throughout the innings.
The opposition eventually
declared at 372/7 after 105.2 overs, leaving Afghanistan with a target of 479
runs for victory. With the match entering its final innings, the AfghanAtalan
faced a demanding challenge and needed a disciplined batting performance to
save the Test.
Facing a difficult target,
Afghanistan needed to show patience, resilience and determination. After losing
an early wicket, Sediqullah Atal took responsibility at the crease and produced
an outstanding innings that would prove decisive in saving the match.
Following the dismissal of
Shahidullah Kamal for 19, Atal combined with Rahmat Shah to rebuild the
innings. The pair put together a valuable 82-run partnership, demonstrating
sound judgement and composure against a persistent bowling attack.
Rahmat contributed 51 off 124
deliveries before departing, adding another important innings to his impressive
performance in the match. Atal, meanwhile, continued to occupy the crease and
steadily advanced towards a memorable milestone.
Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed
36 runs, while Ikram Alikhil scored 33 in a crucial 66-run partnership with
Atal. Their efforts provided further stability and helped Afghanistan move
closer to securing a draw.
Atal eventually brought up his
maiden Test century in magnificent fashion. His 111 off 332 deliveries,
featuring nine fours and three sixes, was an outstanding display of
concentration, temperament and determination. The top-order batter stood firm
for a large part of the innings, carrying Afghanistan’s hopes of saving the
match.
Following Atal’s dismissal at
281/7, the pressure intensified as the remaining batters were tasked with
surviving the closing stages. Ismat Alam, Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad showed
determination as Afghanistan continued to resist the opposition’s efforts to
take the remaining wickets.
Qais Ahmad played a particularly
important role in the closing stages, remaining unbeaten on 49*, while Yamin
Ahmadzai stood firm alongside him to score 19 off 85 balls. Their composure
under pressure proved vital as Afghanistan reached 346/8 after 142 overs.
With the match heading towards
its final moments, the Afghan batters held their ground and successfully
negotiated the closing overs to secure a remarkable draw. Their collective
effort capped a memorable final-day performance and demonstrated the fighting
spirit of the AfghanAtalan.
Afghanistan’s hard-fought draw
was built on determination, patience and contributions from across the team.
Rahmat Shah’s century in the first innings and Sediqullah Atal’s maiden Test
hundred in the final innings stood out as the defining individual performances,
while the bowlers and lower-order batters played their part in keeping
Afghanistan competitive throughout the contest.
The result also provided valuable
experience for Afghanistan’s Test side, highlighting the importance of
composure and resilience in the longest format of the game.
Having battled through a
challenging contest and held firm until the very end, the AfghanAtalan secured
a well-earned draw in Abu Dhabi, giving their supporters plenty of reason to be
proud.