Bangladesh Bowled Out for 346 in First Innings, Afghanistan Reach 34-1 at Lunch

Despite a promising start on the opening day, Bangladesh failed to build a big first-innings total in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The hosts were bowled out for 346 after losing their remaining two wickets early on the second day. In reply, Afghanistan reached 34 for 1 at the end of the first session, leaving the visitors trailing by 312 runs.

Resuming the second day at 317 for 8, overnight batters Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam looked to add valuable runs to Bangladesh’s total. However, Taijul was dismissed after the hosts added just 18 runs to their overnight score. Attempting to pull a delivery from Afghan pacer Mohammad Saleem that pitched outside leg stump, Taijul, who had scored 9, gloved the ball through to the wicketkeeper. Although the on-field umpire initially ruled him not out, Afghanistan opted for a review, and UltraEdge confirmed that the ball had touched his glove.

Bangladesh’s innings came to an end soon afterwards when Ebadot Hossain, the final batter, was caught at point while attempting to drive a slower, fuller-length delivery from Yamin Ahmadzai. The hosts managed to bat for just 8.3 overs on the second morning before being bowled out for 346. Mohammad Saleem was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with four scalps, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three wickets. Ismat Alam picked up two, and Qais Ahmad took one.

Earlier on the opening day, Bangladesh got off to a flying start through openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Shadman Islam. The duo put together a 124-run partnership for the first wicket, laying a solid foundation for the hosts. Tanzid, in particular, looked in fine touch, bringing up his half-century in just 41 balls with an aggressive approach.

However, the left-handed opener could not convert his promising start into a bigger innings. He departed for 83 after Ismat Alam produced a delivery that led to a brilliant catch behind the stumps by wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil.

Afghanistan began their first innings in response to Bangladesh’s total and lost one wicket during the opening session of the second day. The visitors scored 34 runs in 13 overs before the lunch break, with Bangladesh holding a 312-run lead.