Tigers close in on victory after Taijul removes Atal

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam finally broke through, dismissing Afghanistan’s biggest obstacle, centurion Sediqullah Atal, as the Tigers closed in on victory in the final session of the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Taijul had bowled 58.4 overs in Afghanistan’s second innings before claiming Atal’s wicket -- his first of the match. The breakthrough left Bangladesh just three wickets away from victory, with the hosts facing an uphill task to chase down the 479-run target set on Monday.

After 123 overs, Afghanistan were 300 for seven, still 179 runs short of their target but more importantly they had 17 overs remaining in the day. Afghanistan exposed tail had pacers Yamin Ahmadzai and leg-spinner Qais Ahmed in the middle.

 

 

Ton-up Sediqullah stands between Bangladesh and Test win 

Sediqullah Atal struck his maiden Test century against Bangladesh on Tuesday as Afghanistan took the one-off Test into the final session.

The left-handed opener was unbeaten on 105 off 299 deliveries as the hosts reached 265 for six at tea on the final day.

Bangladesh had earlier set Afghanistan a target of 479 runs for victory on Monday.

The Afghans lost three wickets in the day so far -- one in the morning session and two before tea, with Sediqullah showing treme4ndous amount of grit and resilience. 

Ikram Alikhil (33), Ismat Alam (4) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (36) -- the latter returning after retiring hurt in the first session -- were the wickets to fall so far on the final day.

Ebadot Hossain took two of those wickets while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the other one.