Afghanistan seamers lead fightback after Bangladesh’s strong start

After Bangladesh's dominant start on the first day of the one-time Test in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan clawed their way back into the game.

Bangladesh, who had started off with 124 for no loss in 23 overs, were snatched away and ended the day with 317 for 8. Bangladesh had half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Litton Das, but they lost three wickets for four runs in the second session, undoing much of their early progress. Mohammad Saleem, Yamin Ahmadzai, and Ismat Alam, all fast bowlers, took seven wickets to keep the visitors in check.

Bangladesh chose to bat on a surface that appeared flat to begin the day. In a 124-run opening partnership with Shadman, Tanzid led the charge. The left-hander hit 83 runs in just 71 at-bats, including eight fours and four sixes. He repeatedly used his feet against the pace bowlers, finding gaps on the off side, and also took on the spinners with three sixes down the ground.

Tanzid hit a number of crisp drives and attacking strokes in his innings, including a slice over point and a six over extra cover off Ahmadzai. However, when Ismat produced an edge behind the stumps, his attempt to continue the assault was unsuccessful. Tanzid failed to match Tamim Iqbal's record of 86 runs scored by a Bangladesh batsman in the first Test session.

After lunch, Shadman took on a more aggressive role and scored 60 runs with Mominul Haque for the second wicket. He scored his ninth Test fifty, but Zia-ur-Rehman caught him at square leg off a short ball and he fell for 67 off 111 balls. After dismissing Mominul for 39 points, Ahmadzai cleaned up Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck.

During his stay, Najmul Hossain Shanto appeared confident, but Qais Ahmed found a way to eliminate the Bangladesh captain for 29. The quick succession of wickets saw Bangladesh go from 221 for 3 to 225 for 5 after they had appeared firmly in control. Litton and Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped steady the innings with a 62-run stand for the sixth wicket. Mehidy played a patient supporting role, scoring 24 from 67 balls with only one boundary, while Litton gradually found his rhythm.

After scoring three consecutive ducks during Bangladesh's recent Test matches in Australia, Litton's fifty was especially significant. Before Ahmadzai made a diving catch near the fine-leg boundary, he made 53 of 89 deliveries and hit four boundaries. Later in the same over, Saleem struck again, bowling Hasan Mahmud with a yorker. Before the end of play, Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam batted out the final four overs. On the second morning, they hope to get the total close to 350.