Litton’s century puts Bangladesh in control

The wicket-keeper batsman Litton Das on Monday struck a splendid century as Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan, setting the hosts a daunting target of 479 runs on the fourth day at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Afghanistan reached 132-3 in their second innings at stumps and they still need 347 more runs to win the Test.

Das scored 102 off 117 balls as Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372-7 after resuming the day with their overnight score of 223-6. His seventh Test century featured 14 fours. He stayed for 182 minutes at the crease.

Bangladesh, who had scored 346 in their first innings, secured a 106-run lead after dismissing Afghanistan for 240. Their strong second innings performance left the visitors facing a formidable chase to win the Test.

Das shared a crucial 149-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who remained unbeaten on 52. Miraz faced 97 deliveries and struck five fours, helping Bangladesh build a commanding position before the declaration.

Afghanistan fast bowler Mohammad Saleem claimed two wickets for 69 runs, finishing with match figures of 6-151.

Chasing 479 for victory, Afghanistan endured an early setback when Abdul Malik fell for two. He edged a delivery from Ebadot Hossain to wicketkeeper Das, leaving the visitors under immediate pressure.

Shahidullah joined Sediqullah Atal at the crease but could not provide lasting support. He was dismissed for 19 by Hasan Mahmud, with Das completing the catch behind the stumps. Shahidullah's innings came off 19 balls and included four boundaries.

Afghanistan were struggling at 28-2 when the dismissal left them facing an uphill battle to save the match.

Captain Rahmat Shah then joined Atal and helped steady the innings. The pair put together an important 82-run partnership for the third wicket, offering Afghanistan some hope of resisting Bangladesh's attack.

However, Ebadot struck again to remove Rahmat, who scored 51 off 124 balls, including five fours and a six. His departure left Afghanistan at 110-3 and further increased the pressure on the visitors.

Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi then batted cautiously to take Afghanistan to 132-3 at stumps, keeping their hopes alive heading into the final day.

Sediqullah Atal was batting on 35 and with him at the end was Hashmatullah Shahidi on 19.

Atal struck on six and one four from 126 balls while Shahidi hit two fours and six in his 27-ball unbeaten effort.

Ebadot Hossain got 2-32 while Hasan Mahmud claimed 1-31.

Afghanistan still require 347 runs to reach their target, while Bangladesh need seven wickets to secure victory. With three wickets down and a substantial deficit remaining, the hosts face a difficult task to turn the contest around.

Bangladesh will look to maintain their discipline with the ball on the final day, while Afghanistan must produce a determined batting effort to avoid defeat.