Tanzid's 83 powers Tigers' flying start

Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck a blistering 83 off just 71 balls as Bangladesh made a flying start on the opening day of their one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Tigers raced to 134 for one in 26 overs at lunch, scoring at 5.15 runs an over as Afghanistan struggled to contain them in the morning session.

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Tanzid and Shadman Islam put on 124 for the opening wicket, with the former reaching a rapid half-century and looking well on course for his second Test century. However, Afghanistan’s decision to bring the wicketkeeper up to the stumps paid off, as Ismat Alam cleverly bowled one wide to induce a loose shot from Tanzid, who was caught behind for 83.

Since breaking the opening stand, Afghanistan have bowled with greater discipline and offered fewer loose deliveries, although Shadman has continued to look comfortable at the crease.

Shadman remained unbeaten on 41 off 79 balls at the interval, with Mominul Haque on five not out off seven deliveries.

The match marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test at a neutral venue.