Tigers frustrated as Rahmat's unbeaten 84 leads Afghanistan resistance

Afghanistan reached 211 for four at stumps on the second day of the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, trailing Bangladesh by 135 runs. Rahmat Shah and Ikram Alikhil frustrated the Tigers with an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their overnight score of 317 for eight and were eventually bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 35 off 67 balls, while Taijul Islam made nine and Ebadot Hossain fell for a duck.

Afghanistan began their reply with a 30-run opening stand before Hasan Mahmud dismissed Sediqullah Atal for 17 in the morning session. Bangladesh missed an opportunity earlier after choosing not to review a caught-behind appeal against the opener, with replays showing a clear edge.

Ebadot Hossain then removed Shahidullah for 20 to leave the visitors at 64 for two. Abdul Malik and Rahmat steadied the innings by adding 70 runs for the third wicket.

Ebadot broke that stand by dismissing Malik for 62, caught behind by Litton Das after facing 120 balls with four fours and a six. Afghanistan reached tea at 131 for two.

In the final session, Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi for a two-ball duck in the 47th over, stumped by Litton to leave the visitors at 139 for four.

Skipper Rahmat reached his half-century off 112 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 84 off 186 balls, hitting four fours and a six. Ikram supported him with 26 off 91 balls.

The fifth-wicket partnership added 72 runs and passed the fifty-mark off 159 balls, keeping Bangladesh at bay through the remainder of the day.