Litton hits ton as Bangladesh scent victory

Bangladesh pushed towards a big win over Afghanistan in the one-off Test after a brilliant century from Litton Das helped them set a target of 479 runs in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Litton Das scored a brilliant 102, his seventh Test century, as Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372-7 on day four of the Test match against Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. His outstanding knock helped Bangladesh build a commanding position in the match after securing a 106-run first-innings lead.

In response, Afghanistan ended the fourth day on 132-3, with Sediqullah Atal unbeaten on 35 and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on 19.

Afghanistan still face a challenging task as they look to close the gap.

Bangladesh will head into the final day with high hopes of securing victory against Afghanistan, as their pace bowlers and spinners prepare to exploit a wearing pitch on Tuesday.

They will be eager to make early inroads and put pressure on the remaining batters to wrap up the match.

Bangladesh seamer Ebadot Hossain provided his side with an early breakthrough, dismissing Abdul Malik for just two runs in the second over of Afghanistan’s innings.

The early wicket gave Bangladesh an important boost as they looked to build on their first-innings advantage and strengthen their grip on the contest.

Hasan Mahmud, who impressed in the first innings with a five-wicket haul that included a hat-trick, struck again by having Shahidullah Kamal caught behind for 19.

His crucial breakthrough further increased the pressure on Afghanistan, who were attempting to establish a solid foundation in their chase.

However, Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal showed resilience by combining for an 82-run partnership for the third wicket.

Their stand helped Afghanistan recover from the early setbacks and provided some stability to the innings.

Atal remained unbeaten on 35 at stumps, while Hashmatullah Shahidi was not out on 19, leaving Afghanistan with a difficult challenge ahead as they prepare for the decisive final day.

Rahmat, who had played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s first innings with an impressive century in their total of 240, once again demonstrated his determination with a fighting half-century in the second innings.

The experienced batter scored 51 runs, striking five boundaries and one six, as he attempted to steady Afghanistan’s innings and keep his team competitive against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack.

However, his resistance eventually came to an end when Bangladesh seamer Ebadot Hossain dismissed him, with wicketkeeper Litton Das taking a sharp catch behind the stumps.

Litton’s catch was a significant moment in the match, as it marked his eighth dismissal behind the stumps across the game, setting a new record for Bangladesh in a Test match. His outstanding performance with the gloves highlighted his concentration, consistency and importance to the team, particularly on a pitch that continued to challenge the batters.

The previous Bangladesh record was held by Khaled Mashud, who recorded seven dismissals in a Test match against Zimbabwe in February 2004.

Litton’s achievement surpassed that mark, adding another milestone to an already memorable performance. His record-breaking effort, combined with Bangladesh’s effective bowling display, strengthened the visitors’ hopes of securing a crucial victory over Afghanistan on the final day.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed at 223-6 and were indebted to a seventh-wicket stand of 149 between Litton and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who finished with 52 not out.

Afghanistan were sloppy in the field as they let off Litton on 14, 26 and 67, also missing a run-out chance against Miraz, capping a disappointing day.

Mohammad Saleem, Zia-ur-Rehman and Yamin Ahmadzai took two wickets apiece for Afghanistan.