Atal’s century helps Afghanistan draw Test against Bangladesh

Afghanistan held on for a draw against Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi on October 13, as Sediqullah Atal’s fourth-innings century and resistance from the lower order carried the team through a demanding final day. Chasing 479 after Bangladesh declared its second innings at 372 for 7, Afghanistan finished on 346 for 8. Atal made 111 from 332 balls, reaching his century off 277 deliveries. His was the first century by an Afghan batter in the fourth innings of a Test. Qais Ahmad remained unbeaten on 49, while Rahmat Shah scored 51. Atal batted for more than eight hours, anchoring the innings as Bangladesh pressed for the final wickets. He was dismissed by Taijul Islam after tea, with Afghanistan at 281 for 7, leaving the lower order to survive the closing overs. Yamin Ahmadzai made 19 from 85 balls in a stand with Qais that delayed Bangladesh’s breakthrough. After Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Ahmadzai, Qais and Ziaur Rehman saw out the remaining play. Qais struck a six from the final delivery, and Afghanistan secured the draw with two wickets still standing. The result followed a strong position for Bangladesh, which had made 346 in its first innings.