Missed reviews and bowling woes frustrate Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi

Bangladesh’s bowlers endured a frustrating outing on the second day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan yesterday, claiming just four wickets as the hosts finished in a strong position in Abu Dhabi.

After adding 29 runs to their overnight score, the Tigers lost their remaining two wickets early in the morning to be bowled out for 346 in their first innings, with off-spinner Nayeem Hasan remaining unbeaten on 35 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

With five experienced bowlers in their line-up, Bangladesh would have expected to put Afghanistan’s inexperienced batting order under pressure. However, the latter negotiated the challenge confidently, reaching 211 for four at stumps, trailing by 135 runs.

Afghanistan skipper Rahmat Shah, who has featured in all 13 Tests played by his country, was Bangladesh’s chief tormentor, remaining unbeaten on 84 off 186 balls and moving closer to his fourth Test century. Opener Abdul Malik also impressed with 62 off 120 deliveries, registering his maiden Test fifty.

Pace duo Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud shared three wickets between them, while the three-pronged spin attack managed just one breakthrough through Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck.

Besides their lack of penetration, the visitors also missed opportunities in the field, while their decision-making with reviews left much to be desired. Bangladesh failed to capitalize on early reviews and missed a crucial caught-behind appeal when Sediqullah Atal edged one through to the wicketkeeper.

Spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed remained confident that his bowlers could make an impact as the match progressed, provided the batters extended their lead in the second innings. Bangladesh will now hope to break the 72-run fifth-wicket partnership between Rahmat and Ikram Alikhil early today.