Bangladesh are firmly in control of the match after Afghanistan lost their last six wickets for just 21 runs on Day 3. The hosts, who had been in a reasonable position earlier in the day, were bowled out for 240.
Rahmat Shah was the standout batter for Afghanistan, producing a fine century amid the collapse. However, the other batters failed to provide much support as Bangladesh’s bowlers took charge.
Hasan Mahmud led the attack with a five-wicket haul, including a historic hat-trick, while Ebadot also impressed with four wickets. Bangladesh secured a first-innings lead of 106 runs.
Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud made history on Sunday by becoming the first pacer from his country to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.
The 26-year-old achieved the feat during Afghanistan’s first innings at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Day 3. He also became only the third Bangladeshi bowler to take a hat-trick in the longest format.
Before Hasan, leg-spin all-rounder Alok Kapali had taken a hat-trick against Pakistan in 2003, while off-spinner Sohag Gazi achieved the feat against New Zealand in 2013.
Afghanistan were 220/5 while chasing Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346 when Hasan struck in the 83rd over.
He first dismissed Ismat Alam for one before Qais Ahmad edged a delivery behind. Wicketkeeper Litton Das took an excellent diving catch to his right to send Qais back to the pavilion.
Hasan then trapped Zia-ur-Rehman leg-before wicket to complete his hat-trick. The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, but Bangladesh successfully overturned the decision on review.
The fast bowler later dismissed Yamin Ahmadzai for an 11-ball duck to complete his five-wicket haul.
What to expect on Day 4
With the pitch beginning to deteriorate, batting is likely to become increasingly difficult. Bangladesh will look to build on their advantage, while Afghanistan will hope to make early inroads and bring themselves back into the contest.
The changing nature of the surface could make Day 4 an important phase in deciding the outcome of the one-off Test.
