Rahmat, Malik fifties lead Afghanistan’s strong reply
Captain Rahmat Shah played a crucial knock as he held Afghaniistan together on the second day in Abu Dhabi. He blunted Bangladesh’s threat by adding 72 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket with his deputy Ikram Alikhil. Rahmat was unbeaten on 84 off 186 balls with eight fours and a six, while Alikhil’s 26 came […]
Rahmat Shah and Malik Malik delivered a strong performance for Afghanistan as they staged a resilient reply to Bangladesh's formidable total in Abu Dhabi. On the second day, Rahmat Shah, unbeaten on 84 off 186 balls, formed a crucial unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 72 runs with Ikram Alikhil, who contributed 26 off 91 balls.
Bangladesh's best bowler, Ebadot Hossain, claimed the day's wickets. Litton Das, the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, got the visiting side back in the game shortly after the break, taking an impressive diving catch to his right off a five-ball delivery from Ebadot Hossain. Abdul Malik, making his maiden Test fifty, played a significant role with 62 off 120 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six.
Litton Das completed a fine stumping when Mehidy Hasan Miraz's delivery turned and bounced sharply against Hashmatullah Shahidi, while Alikhil started with two boundaries before conserving his wicket for the next nine overs. Rahmat Shah broke the boundary drought in the 60th over with two fours off Nayeem Hasan and secured Afghanistan's 200 in the 77th over with two superb shots through extra cover.
The Afghanistan pace bowlers dismissed both remaining Bangladesh wickets in 8.3 overs, with Mohammad Saleem taking four wickets, including Taijul Islam caught behind and Yamin Ahmadzai removing Ebadot Hossain with a slower delivery. Afghanistan's innings concluded at lunch on 34 for 1, and after lunch, they batted positively, with Shahidullah and Mahmud contributing to a solid partnership.
Malik's confidence was evident as he played the ball confidently in the 34th over, hitting a straight six off Ebadot Hossain. Despite Bangladesh's efforts, Afghanistan remained victorious by 135 runs.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
