Bangladesh Set Afghanistan a Mammoth Target of 479 Runs

Litton Kumar Das produced a magnificent batting display in the desert, putting behind him the disappointment of Bangladesh’s recent tour of Australia. After scoring a half-century in the first innings of the one-off Test, the right-handed opener struck a superb century in the second innings to give Bangladesh a commanding lead. Powered by his brilliant 102, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372 for seven, setting Afghanistan a daunting target of 479 runs for victory.

The visitors resumed the fourth day’s play at 223 for six. Bangladesh had found themselves on the back foot after losing three wickets for just 11 runs in a late-afternoon collapse on the previous day. However, Litton and Mehidy Hasan Miraz steadied the innings, keeping the scoreboard moving with a crucial seventh-wicket partnership. The pair added 149 runs together, putting Bangladesh firmly in control of the match.

Litton benefited from two dropped catches during his innings. Given lifelines by Qais Ahmad on 14 and 26, he made the most of those opportunities and went on to produce a memorable knock. He reached his second consecutive half-century of the ongoing Test, and the 22nd of his career, in just 61 balls. During the innings, Litton also achieved the significant milestone of scoring 9,000 runs in international cricket, reaching the landmark with just 18 runs to go.

Continuing his aggressive approach, Litton brought up his century off 115 balls. He eventually departed after scoring 102 off 117 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries along the way. At the other end, Miraz batted cautiously and remained unbeaten on 52 off 97 balls. Shortly after Miraz completed his half-century, the Bangladesh captain declared the innings at 372 for seven.

Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 346 in their first innings before their bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain, bowled Afghanistan out for 240. That gave Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 106 runs. Afghanistan have now come out to bat, facing the enormous challenge of chasing 479 runs to win the one-off Test.