Rahmat powers strong Afghani response to Bangladesh 346: 1st Test, Day 2 (Abu Dhabi)

Afghanistan mounted a determined fightback on Day 2 of the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, reaching 211/4 at stumps after the visitors were dismissed for 346 in their first innings.

Bangladesh added 29 runs to their overnight total before losing their final two wickets, with Nayeem Hasan unbeaten on 35. Mohammad Saleem led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with 4/82, while Yamin Ahmadzai provided valuable support with 3/79.

Afghanistan’s response was anchored by Abdul Malik’s maiden Test half-century of 60 and a composed unbeaten 84 from captain Rahmat Shah.

Bangladesh made early inroads, dismissing Sediqullah Atal for 17 and Shahidullah Kamal for 20, but Rahmat steadied the innings in partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi and later Ikram Alikhil. Afghanistan ended the day 135 runs behind with six wickets in hand, leaving Rahmat well placed to guide the hosts closer to parity on Day 3.

Afghanistan 211 for 4 (Rahmat 84*, Malik 62, Ebadot 2-50) trail Bangladesh 346 (Tanzid 83, Shadman 67, Saleem 4-82, Ahmadzai 3-79) by 135 runs.

Oct 2026