Atal's epic 332-ball resistance helps Afghanistan pull off a remarkable escape against Bangladesh

Sediqullah Atal produced a resolute century to help Afghanistan secure a hard-fought draw against Bangladesh in the one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Tuesday, frustrating the visitors' hopes of victory on the final day.

Chasing an imposing target of 479, Afghanistan finished at 346 for eight after batting through 142 overs in their second innings. Atal anchored the resistance with 111 off 332 deliveries, striking nine fours and three sixes in an innings marked by patience and determination.

Bangladesh had appeared well placed to force a result after establishing a substantial first-innings advantage and declaring their second innings at 372 for seven. However, Afghanistan's batters absorbed sustained pressure to ensure the five-day contest ended without a winner.

𝗔𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Atal's innings proved decisive as Afghanistan attempted to survive the final day's play rather than pursue the formidable target. The left-handed opener occupied the crease for long periods, forcing Bangladesh's bowlers to work for every breakthrough.

He reached his maiden Test century off 277 deliveries, having struck eight fours and three sixes at that stage. His disciplined approach helped Afghanistan remain in contention for a draw despite losing wickets at intervals.

Afghanistan had resumed the final day at 132 for three, with Bangladesh requiring seven wickets to complete victory. Atal, unbeaten on 35 overnight, gradually extended his innings and frustrated the visiting attack.

He reached his half-century off 166 balls before building on the foundation with a succession of partnerships. By lunch, Afghanistan had moved beyond 200, substantially reducing the number of overs Bangladesh had available to dismiss the remaining batters.

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Bangladesh briefly revived their hopes after lunch, removing Ikram Alikhil for 33 and continuing to attack Afghanistan's middle order. Ismat Alam and Hashmatullah Shahidi also departed as the hosts slipped to 265 for six by tea.

Atal, however, remained unbeaten on 105 at the interval, leaving Bangladesh with four wickets to claim in the final session.

The visitors struck again to reduce Afghanistan to 281 for seven, but Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad extended the resistance. Afghanistan crossed 300 in the 123rd over, forcing Bangladesh to continue searching for breakthroughs as time ran out.

Atal was eventually dismissed for 111, caught by Tanzid Hasan off Taijul Islam. By then, his prolonged occupation of the crease had significantly strengthened Afghanistan's chances of saving the match.

Despite another late wicket, the hosts survived until the close, finishing on 346 for eight.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁

Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 346 in their first innings before dismissing Afghanistan for 240, securing a lead of 106 runs.

The visitors consolidated their position with 372 for seven declared in 105.2 overs, setting Afghanistan a target of 479.

Although Bangladesh controlled significant portions of the contest, they could not dismiss Afghanistan for a second time. Atal's century, supported by contributions from the middle and lower order, ultimately denied the visitors victory.