Sports Reporter :
Afghanistan scored 271 for the loss of five wickets in the first innings against Bangladesh on the first day of the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday.
Afghanistan had a shaky start as they lost early two wickets for 48 runs.
It was Taijul Islam, who gave Bangladesh early breakthrough as opener Ihsanullah was bowled out by left-arm spinner for nine when Afghanistan’s score was 19.
Then Ibrahim Zadran, the other opener (21) was caught at the long-off by Mahmudullah Riyad off Taijul Islam when the tourists’ total was 48 for the loss of two wickets.
Second-down Hashmatullah Shahidi (14) was caught at the slip by Soumya Sarkar off Mahmudullah Riyad when the visitors’ score was 77 for the loss of three wickets.
Later, one-down Rahmat Shah and third-down Asghar Afghan repaired the damage adding together 120 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Rahmat Shah was caught at the first slip by Soumya Sarkar off Nayeem Hasan when Afghanistan’s total was 197 for the loss of four wickets.
Rahmat Shah notched up a terrific 102. His 187-ball innings was decorated with 10 fours and two sixes. It was Rahmat Shah’s maiden Test century.
After dismissal of Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi arrived at the crease but he could stay there for a short period as he (0) was bowled out by Nayeem Hasan when Afghanistan’s score was 197 for the loss of five wickets.
Then Asghar Afghan and Afsar Zazai put on together 74 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket partnership before the bails were drawn for the first day.
Asghar Afghan remained unbeaten with 88. His 160-ball innings saw three fours and two sixes. It was Asghar’s second Test half-century.
Afsar Zazai remained unbeaten with 35. His 90-ball innings had four fours and a sixer.
Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam bagged a pair of wickets each at the cost of 43 and 73 runs respectively.
Mahmudullah Riyad took one wicket for nine runs.
