Mahmud’s Hat-Trick Powers Bangladesh to a Strong 329-Run Lead in One-Off Test Against Afghanistan

ABU DHABI: At stumps on BAN vs AFG One-off Test Day 3, Bangladesh is in strong position after a highly eventful day at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The visitors established a massive 329-run lead over Afghanistan, closing the day's play at 223 for 6 in their second innings.

Mahmud's Hat-Trick Destroys Afghanistan

The third morning began with Afghanistan resuming on their Day 2 score of 211 for 4, looking to eliminate Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346. However, Bangladeshi right-arm pacer Hasan Mahmud produced a blistering spell with the second new ball to flip the script entirely.

Mahmud ripped through the lower order to claim a sensational Test hat-trick, dismissing Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad, and Zia-ur-Rehman in consecutive deliveries. In doing so, he became only the third Bangladeshi bowler in history, and the first-ever fast bowler, to achieve a Test hat-trick, reaching his milestone of 50 Test wickets in spectacular fashion.

While Afghanistan’s captain, Rahmat Shah, carried his bat with a resilient, unbeaten 105 runs, he ran completely out of partners at the other end. Fellow quick Ebadot Hossain joined the party to finish with figures of 4 for 56, wrapping up Afghanistan’s first innings for 240 all out. Bangladesh secured a crucial 106-run first-innings lead.

Top-Order Stumble and Mushfiqur’s Rescue Act

Armed with the psychological advantage, Bangladesh's second innings started in shaky fashion. Afghanistan's opening bowlers struck early during the first session, removing Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, and Tanzid Hasan cheaply, reducing the visitors to a precarious 53 for 3.

Coming together after the lunch break, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship. Mushfiqur, looking to redeem himself after a first-innings duck on Day 1, batted aggressively and found the boundary ropes with regularity. 

The duo put on a resilient 159-run partnership for the fourth wicket, punishing any loose deliveries from the Afghan spinners and taking the game away from the hosts. Mushfiqur notched a vital half-century, scoring 81 off 148 balls, while Shanto anchored the other end with a gritty 82 off .

Late Flightback Leaves the Match Poised

Just as Bangladesh looked set to completely bat Afghanistan out of the game, the hosts fought back late in the final session. Zia-ur-Rehman broke the century stand by dismissing Mushfiqur, before wrist-spinner Qais Ahmad sent Shanto packing.

Zia-ur-Rehman (2/55) struck once more before stumps, ensuring the honors were shared in the final session. Bangladesh concluded Day 3 with Litton Das (5*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0*) at the crease, holding a commanding 329-run advantage. 

With four wickets in hand and two full days of cricket remaining on a deteriorating pitch, Bangladesh remains heavily favored to secure a comprehensive victory.