Tanzid's blazing 83 and Litton's fifty lift Bangladesh to 317 for eight on day one in Abu Dhabi
Tanzid’s blazing 83 and Litton’s fifty lift Bangladesh to 317 for eight on day one in Abu Dhabi
Bangladesh finished the opening day of the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test on 317 for eight at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, recovering from a mid-order collapse through a composed half-century from Litton Das and stubborn resistance from the lower order. It was a day of two halves in Abu Dhabi on Friday, as the Tigers’ first-ever Test at a neutral venue swung from dominance to danger and back again.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat, Bangladesh made a flying start. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Shadman Islam put on 124 for the first wicket, with Tanzid the aggressor: his 83 came off just 71 balls and included eight fours and four sixes. Shadman’s 67 off 111 deliveries was the steadier hand, built on seven boundaries.
Middle-order wobble in the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test
Afghanistan hit back hard after lunch. From a comfortable 221 for three, Bangladesh slipped to 225 for five in a damaging passage: Mushfiqur Rahim fell for a duck and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managed only 29. Mominul Haque’s 39 was the only other contribution of note as the spinners tightened their grip.
Mohammad Saleem was Afghanistan’s most successful bowler with three for 70, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed two for 62. The most economical spell belonged to Ismat Alam, whose two for 20 from 12.4 overs, including five maidens, strangled the scoring through the middle session. Qais Ahmad picked up the remaining wicket.
Litton steadies the ship
Litton Das then produced the innings Bangladesh needed, a patient 53 off 89 balls that carried the total past 300. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 24 before falling to Ismat Alam, and at stumps Nayeem Hasan (11 not out) and Taijul Islam (4 not out) had seen off the final overs, with Ebadot Hossain still to bat on day two.
The Abu Dhabi heat was expected to be as big a challenge as Afghanistan’s spin attack, and Bangladesh’s head coach Phil Simmons had flagged exactly that before the match. On the evidence of day one, the Tigers handled both well enough to take the honours, though Afghanistan will feel the game is still open with two set batters to remove in the morning.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan have played little Test cricket against each other, which makes this one-off fixture a rare measuring stick for both sides. A first-innings total beyond 350 would put real scoreboard pressure on an Afghan batting line-up short on long-format experience.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score at stumps on day one?
Bangladesh closed on 317 for eight after 84 overs. Nayeem Hasan was unbeaten on 11 and Taijul Islam on four, with Ebadot Hossain yet to bat.
Who were Bangladesh’s top scorers?
Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 83 off 71 balls, Shadman Islam made 67, and Litton Das contributed a vital 53. Mominul Haque added 39.
Who bowled best for Afghanistan?
Mohammad Saleem took three for 70, Yamin Ahmadzai two for 62, and Ismat Alam was outstanding with two for 20 from 12.4 overs, including five maidens.
Why is this Test historic for Bangladesh?
It is Bangladesh’s first-ever Test match played at a neutral venue, staged at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
