Atal helps defiant Afghanistan save lone Test against Bangladesh

October 13, 2026

Afghanistan staged a remarkable fightback to secure a hard-fought draw in their one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, with Sediqullah Atal anchoring a defiant batting display. The 21-year-old opener, playing just his third Test, spent eight and a half hours at the crease, compiling an unbroken 111 off 332 balls to become the first Afghan batsman to reach a century in the fourth innings of a Test.

His partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi (36) provided a solid foundation, though Shahidi’s aggressive strokeplay nearly cost Afghanistan dearly when he fell short of a boundary just before tea. Bangladesh, chasing a target of 479, looked poised for victory after Atal was dismissed for 281-7, but Afghanistan’s tailenders refused to surrender.

Qais Ahmad’s unbeaten 49 and a crucial 45-run stand with Yamin Ahmadzai (19) kept the chase alive, with Qais delivering a thrilling finish—including a six off the second ball of the last over—before collapsing with exhaustion after a hamstring injury late in the match.