Shanto disappointed but praises Afghanistan’s ‘brilliant cricket’

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was disappointed after his side failed to win the one-off Test against Afghanistan, but he had little choice but to acknowledge the brilliance of their opponents who produced a remarkable display of resilience to force a draw in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Bangladesh appeared firmly in control for much of the contest at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, establishing a 106-run first-innings lead before declaring their second innings at 372 for seven to set Afghanistan a daunting target of 479 runs with five sessions available to force a result. However, the home side demonstrated the character and determination associated with five-day cricket, batting for 142 overs in their second innings to pull off an extraordinary escape.

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Afghanistan finished on 346 for eight, turning what seemed an almost impossible task into a result worthy of celebration. Their effort marked the fourth-most overs a team have batted in the fourth innings of a Test match to secure a draw.

“It is disappointing, but they played brilliantly. We couldn't take opportunities. The fast bowlers have been doing a very good job. I expected the spinners to come into the match; they tried, but Afghanistan played very good cricket,” Shanto said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Bangladesh captain had every reason to feel frustrated. His team had scored 346 in the first innings, restricting Afghanistan to 240, before building a commanding position with their second-innings declaration. Yet, despite sustained pressure from the bowlers, Bangladesh could not find the final breakthrough.

At the heart of Afghanistan's resistance was opener Sediqullah Atal, who delivered a career-defining performance under immense pressure. Resuming the final morning at 132 for three, Afghanistan still needed to bat through 90 overs to save the match.

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Atal answered the challenge with a magnificent maiden Test century, scoring 111 off 332 deliveries, absorbing pressure and punishing loose deliveries when opportunities arose.

He received valuable support from Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil and Ismat Alam. Alikhil scored 33 during a determined fourth-wicket partnership, while Shahidi contributed 36 despite having to retire hurt earlier after being struck on the knee by a throw from Hasan Mahmud. Ismat, meanwhile, battled for almost an hour before getting off the mark after facing 45 deliveries.

The visitors briefly revived their hopes as wickets fell in the final session. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Ebadot Hossain made important breakthroughs, while Shahidi's dismissal just before tea left Afghanistan facing another difficult examination. Atal, however, had already survived a difficult stumping chance on 70 when Litton Das missed an opportunity.

Atal eventually departed in the final session, seemingly leaving Afghanistan on the brink of defeat. But Qais Ahmed and Yamin Ahmadzai refused to surrender. Despite nervous moments, including potential run-outs and Qais struggling with a hamstring problem, the pair stood firm. Zia-Ur-Rehman also played his part, successfully defending 12 deliveries with pressure at its peak.

The tension finally gave way to celebration when Qais launched Taijul Islam for a six, sealing Afghanistan's survival after 142 overs of determined batting. Qais pumped his fists, embraced his partner and knelt down in gratitude as the Afghanistan camp erupted in joy. Rashid Khan, watching from the grass banks, applauded the remarkable achievement.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was named Player of the Match for an outstanding all-round performance. He scored a century and a half-century while completing nine dismissals behind the stumps, becoming the first-ever player to do so.

Litton admitted that the extreme heat made the five-day contest particularly demanding.

“It was really tough, because it was very hot. Playing five days in this heat was very tough. I just wanted to focus on my energy in this heat. We want to win the match, but sometimes that's how it goes in cricket,” he said.

He added that a net session had helped restore his batting confidence after missing out in the first innings, while praising Hasan Mahmud's second wicket, taken during the hattrick balls, as his best catch of the match.

Shanto also praised Litton's contribution behind the stumps and commended his fast bowlers for their efforts.

Bangladesh will now turn their attention to the upcoming home series against the West Indies.

For Afghanistan, however, the draw was a triumph of character. Having looked beaten, they fought until the very end, proving that Test cricket rewards not only dominance but also courage, patience and perseverance.