Afghanistan Fight Back in Abu Dhabi on Half-Centuries from Abdul Malik and Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan put up a strong fight against Bangladesh on the second day of the only Test in Abu Dhabi, thanks to responsible half-centuries from Abdul Malik and Rahmat Shah. In reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346, the hosts ended the second day at 211 for 4. They still trail the visitors by 135 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs in their first innings. Afghanistan made a solid start in reply, with their opening partnership taking the team past the 50-run mark in the 15th over. However, they lost two wickets by the time their total reached 85 in 28 overs.

Overcoming the early pressure, opener Abdul Malik took charge of the innings. Combining aggressive stroke play with patience, he brought up his half-century off 87 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Rahmat Shah provided excellent support at the other end. Their productive partnership helped Afghanistan reach 131 for 2 before the tea break. At the interval, Malik was unbeaten on 60, while Rahmat had scored 33.

Rahmat continued his steady batting in the final session of the day, reaching his half-century off 112 balls. Although Bangladesh picked up two wickets in an attempt to regain control of the match, Rahmat held firm at the crease. He then joined forces with Ikram Alikhil to build another valuable partnership of 50 runs. As a result, Afghanistan crossed the 200-run mark in the 77th over.

At stumps on day two, Afghanistan had reached 211 for 4 in 78 overs. Rahmat Shah remained at the crease, keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive. How close the hosts can get to Bangladesh’s total, or whether they can establish a first-innings lead, will largely depend on their performance in the first session of the third day.