Tigers pay for missed review as Blue Tigers dig in

Bangladesh paid a heavy price for a missed review and dropped catches as Afghanistan fought back to reach 211-4 on the second day of the Abu Dhabi Test on Saturday.

Replying to Tigers’ first-innings 346, Afghanistan ended the day 135 runs behind, with Rahmat Shah unbeaten on 84 and Ibrahim Alikhil on 26. Bangladesh struggled to make inroads despite the searing 38-degree heat.

The day might have started differently if captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had reviewed an unsuccessful appeal against opener Sediqullah Atal in the third over.

Hasan Mahmud found the edge of Atal’s bat with a good-length delivery, but the umpire turned down the appeal. Shanto had 20 seconds to review the decision and consulted wicketkeeper Litton Das, but let the opportunity slip.

Replays subsequently showed a clear spike as the ball passed the bat. The Tigers skipper kicked out in frustration, knowing Atal had been on just four.

The opener went on to share a 30-run opening stand before Hasan finally removed him for 17, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim taking the catch at first slip. Bangladesh also missed two straightforward slip chances, with Shanto and Tanzid unable to hold on.

Afghan Atalans, however, frustrated Tigers in the last session of the second day.

Bangladesh resumed at 317-8 and added 29 runs in 8.3 overs before being bowled out for 346. Nayeem Hasan, unbeaten on 11 overnight, top-scored among the tailenders with 37.

Expecting a slow pitch, Bangladesh had opted for three specialist spinners, but Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem found little of the turn they had hoped for. Afghanistan’s batters responded with patience and discipline.

Afghanistan lost one wicket while scoring 97 in the second session, then added another 80 runs in 34 overs during the final session, losing two more wickets.

Ebadot Hossain broke a 34-run partnership by dismissing Shahidullah for 20. The batter attempted a hook off a bouncer but picked out deep fine leg, where Hasan charged in and completed an excellent diving catch.

Then he struck again to end a 70-run stand between Afghan skipper Rahmat and Abdul Malik, who made 62. Malik edged a delivery outside off stump to Litton behind the wicket.

Five balls later, Miraz dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck, with the batter advancing down the track and being stumped after the ball bounced more than expected.

But Rahmat remained firm, moving towards his fourth Test century. Shanto and his side will need to remove him early on the third day to prevent Afghanistan from taking control of the contest.