Bangladesh secured a commanding position in their one-off Test match against Afghanistan, declaring their second innings at 372/7 on October 12, 2026, setting Afghanistan a daunting target of 479 runs for victory, according to reports from Dainik Bhaskar and IANS LIVE.
Hasan Mahmud’s Historic Hat-trick and Bangladesh’s Dominance
The third day of the match saw Bangladesh gain significant control, largely due to a remarkable performance by fast bowler Hasan Mahmud. He became the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket, dismissing Ismat Alam, Kais Ahmed, and Zia-ur-Rehman in consecutive deliveries, as reported by ABP News and News18 Hindi. This achievement propelled Bangladesh to restrict Afghanistan’s first innings to 240 runs.
Hasan’s outstanding spell yielded five wickets overall, establishing him as the fastest Bangladeshi pace bowler to reach 50 Test wickets, according to ETV Bharat. This milestone further cemented Bangladesh’s advantage in the match.
Rahamat Shah’s Century and Afghanistan’s Struggle
Despite Bangladesh’s strong performance, Afghanistan captain Rahamat Shah showcased resilience with a historic century, becoming the first Afghan player to score a hundred on Test captaincy debut, as highlighted by Amar Ujala and Jagran. He scored 105 runs, anchoring the Afghan innings amidst challenging circumstances.
Litton Das’s Batting Prowess and Bangladesh’s Second Innings
Bangladesh’s second innings saw a crucial contribution from Litton Das, who scored 102 runs, bringing his overall Test century count to seven, according to NewsBytes. He partnered with Mehdi Hasan Miraz for a 149-run seventh-wicket stand, building a substantial lead for Bangladesh.
He also reached 3,500 Test runs during this innings.
The Current Situation and What Remains at Stake
As the match progresses, Afghanistan faces a steep climb to avoid defeat. With 347 runs still needed and seven wickets in hand, the final day will be critical. According to IANS LIVE, Bangladesh appears to be in a strong position to secure a victory. The outcome hangs on Afghanistan’s ability to withstand Bangladesh’s bowling attack and build a substantial partnership.
The focus now shifts to whether Afghanistan can salvage a draw or mount an improbable chase. The remainder of the match promises to be a test of both teams’ resilience and determination.