Afghanistan and Bangladesh played out a gripping draw in their one-off Test at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 13, 2026, after Afghanistan produced a determined fourth-innings batting performance to deny the visitors victory. Sediqullah Atal’s maiden Test century and a remarkable display of lower-order resistance proved decisive in a contest filled with runs, wickets and late drama.
Bangladesh had placed themselves in a strong position after scoring 346 in their first innings and declaring their second innings at 372/7. Afghanistan, meanwhile, were dismissed for 240 in their first innings, leaving them with a challenging target of 479 runs to win.
Rather than chase the target recklessly, Afghanistan focused on survival while taking scoring opportunities when available. The hosts eventually finished at 346/8 after batting for 142 overs, securing a hard-earned draw at the end of an absorbing Test match.
Sediqullah Atal’s Maiden Test Century Leads Afghanistan’s Fightback
Sediqullah Atal delivered the standout batting performance of the match, scoring 111 off 332 deliveries in Afghanistan’s second innings. His patient innings included nine fours and three sixes, providing the foundation for the home side’s resistance against Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Atal demonstrated exceptional concentration throughout the innings, remaining at the crease for more than eight hours. His ability to defend against the new ball, negotiate spin and absorb pressure allowed Afghanistan to keep the match alive deep into the final day.
The century was particularly significant because it made Atal the first Afghanistan batter to score a hundred in the fourth innings of a Test match. His achievement highlighted the growing depth of Afghanistan’s batting resources and the temperament required to compete in the longest format.
Atal received valuable support from captain Rahmat Shah, who scored 51 from 124 balls in the second innings. Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 36, while Ikram Alikhil added 33 as Afghanistan built important partnerships at different stages of the chase.
Their contributions ensured that Bangladesh could not turn regular breakthroughs into the complete bowling collapse needed to secure victory.
Rahmat Shah’s First-Innings Century Keeps Afghanistan Competitive
Afghanistan’s resistance began earlier in the match, when captain Rahmat Shah produced an impressive innings of 105 from 216 deliveries in the first innings. His knock included ten fours and two sixes, demonstrating a combination of patience and attacking intent.
Rahmat was supported by Abdul Malik, who scored 62 from 120 balls. Their efforts helped Afghanistan remain competitive after Bangladesh had posted a challenging first-innings total.
However, Afghanistan were eventually dismissed for 240 in 89.1 overs, conceding a 106-run lead. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud was particularly effective, claiming five wickets for 55 runs and helping his team establish control of the contest.
The first-innings deficit meant Afghanistan faced an uphill battle when they returned to bat in the final innings. Nevertheless, Rahmat’s leadership and the team’s collective determination ensured that the visitors had to work hard for every wicket.
His two important innings also underlined his influence as Afghanistan’s captain during a demanding Test assignment.
Bangladesh Build a Strong Position Through Their Batting
Bangladesh made a positive start after being asked to bat first, posting 346 in their opening innings. Tanzid Hasan led the early scoring with 83 off 71 balls, while Shadman Islam contributed 67 to give the visitors a solid platform.
Litton Das scored 53 in the first innings before producing an even more influential performance in the second. Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batter struck 102 from 117 deliveries, helping his team strengthen its position after Afghanistan had fallen behind.
Najmul Hossain Shanto also contributed 82, supporting Bangladesh’s effort to build a substantial second-innings total. The visitors declared at 372/7 after 105.2 overs, setting Afghanistan a formidable target of 479.
Bangladesh’s bowlers appeared to have enough time to force a result, particularly after Atal’s dismissal left Afghanistan at 281/7. However, the remaining batters resisted the pressure and prevented the visitors from taking the final wickets.
Qais Ahmad and Afghanistan’s Lower Order Deny Bangladesh
The closing stages provided the defining moment of the match. Following Atal’s departure, Afghanistan still needed substantial lower-order resistance to survive until the end.
Qais Ahmad played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 49 from 80 balls. His innings combined determined defence with timely attacking strokes, ensuring that Bangladesh could not finish the job despite creating further opportunities.
Yamin Ahmadzai added 19 from 85 deliveries, and the pair shared a valuable 45-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Their ability to occupy the crease frustrated Bangladesh’s bowlers and steadily reduced the time available to claim the remaining wickets.
There was further tension in the final session, with Bangladesh missing run-out opportunities and dropping a catch. Qais continued to hold his ground, and Afghanistan eventually reached 346/8 after 142 overs.
For Bangladesh, Ebadot Hossain finished with three wickets for 50 runs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed three for 73. Their efforts kept the contest competitive, but Afghanistan’s resistance ultimately prevented a result.
What the Draw Means for Afghanistan and Bangladesh
The result offered Afghanistan an important demonstration of their ability to withstand pressure in Test cricket. Atal’s century, Rahmat’s first-innings hundred and the lower order’s determination showed that the team could compete across different phases of a five-day match.
For Bangladesh, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity after building a commanding position and setting a target of 479. Their batters delivered substantial contributions, and their bowlers came close to securing victory, but the final wickets remained out of reach.
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test also provided valuable experience for both sides as they continue developing their red-ball combinations. Afghanistan will take confidence from their resilience, while Bangladesh can review the missed opportunities that allowed the contest to finish without a winner.
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