Photo via CricTracker

'We weren't going to change our plan' - Ahmadzai says after Afghanistan's fightback

Afghanistan’s Yamin Ahmadzai delivered a masterclass in adaptability as his side staged a dramatic comeback against Bangladesh in the one-off Test at Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry pitch, with Tanzid Hasan’s aggressive 83 off 71 deliveries setting an early pace.

Ahmadzai, however, quickly adjusted to the pressure, conceding just 15 runs in his fifth over before turning the tide with a three-wicket haul before tea. His first breakthrough came when Mohammad Saleem dismissed Mominul Haque for 39, followed by a yorker that dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck.

Ahmadzai’s economy of 3.87 over 16 overs reflected his precision, while his sharp catch to remove Litton Kumar Das in the final session underscored his all-round impact. Speaking after the session, Ahmadzai emphasized his team’s disciplined approach, noting that while Bangladesh played aggressively, Afghanistan remained steadfast in its plan.

He also highlighted the challenges of reverse swing on Afghanistan’s pitches, experimenting with wrist positioning and angles to outsmart the opposition. The match showcased Ahmadzai’s tactical brilliance and Afghanistan’s resilience in high-pressure situations.

Up nextCricket· 42m ago

Tanzid and Islam lead Bangladesh to 317-8 in Afghanistan Test