Bangladesh Off to Flying Start After Choosing to Bat Against Afghanistan

Bangladesh made an aggressive start to their one-off Test against Afghanistan on October 9, reaching 70/0 after winning the toss and electing to bat at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Tanzid Hasan set the early pace, moving to 50 not out, while Shadman Islam provided support with an unbeaten 15 from 39 deliveries. Bangladesh's opening pair gave the hosts a solid platform in the first session, leaving Afghanistan searching for their first breakthrough.

Bangladesh Openers Take Control

Tanzid was the more attacking of the two batters, striking seven fours and a six during his quick start. His strike rate of 122.50 put early pressure on the Afghan bowlers, who struggled to contain the scoring.

Shadman, meanwhile, played a more measured innings. He faced 39 balls and hit one boundary, allowing Tanzid to take the lead in the scoring while keeping his wicket intact.

Bangladesh's total also included five extras, comprising one no-ball and four byes. At 70 without loss, the opening partnership had already given the hosts a promising start to their first innings.

Afghanistan Search for a Breakthrough

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi brought himself into the attack during the opening session, but he had yet to claim a wicket, conceding seven runs in his only over at the time of the update.

Yamin Ahmadzai bowled six overs for 37 runs, while Mohammad Saleem conceded 21 runs in five overs, including one maiden. Ismat Alam had bowled 0.6 overs without conceding a run.

The early figures reflected Bangladesh's control at the crease, particularly through Tanzid's attacking approach. Afghanistan need a wicket to disrupt the partnership before the opening batters build a much bigger total.

A Promising Start for Bangladesh

Bangladesh entered the match with an opportunity to establish control by batting first on the opening day. With Mominul Haque, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das among those still to bat, the hosts have considerable experience waiting in the dressing room.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Nayeem Hasan are also listed in Bangladesh's remaining batting order.

At the time of the update, Bangladesh held an 80% live win probability, compared with 7% for Afghanistan and 13% for a draw. Those figures can change considerably as the Test progresses.

For now, Bangladesh have the start they wanted. Tanzid is one run short of his half-century, Shadman remains unbeaten, and Afghanistan must find a way to break the opening stand before the innings gets away from them.

Watch Bangladesh take on Afghanistan live on tapmad in Bangladesh, with live coverage of the one-off Test.