Only Test, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Day 2 preview: Spin strategy backfires for hosts, tourists press on

Rahmat Shah (102) created history when he steered Nayeem Hasan (2/43) to the third man fence to become the first Afghan batsman to score a Test hundred. He was caught at slip shortly afterwards, having added 120 with Asghar Afghan for the fourth wicket. Afghan (88*) then added 74 with Afsar Zazai (35*); the pair will resume batting today.

Given the way the wicket behaved on Day 1, Afghanistan definitely hold upper hand at this stage. The ball turned from the first session, and despite the moisture, the soil refused to bind. The second new ball turned as well, and Afghanistan have four specialist spinners in Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmed, and Zahir Khan.

Afghanistan went in with one specialist seamer, in Yamin Ahmadzai, on a track that will definitely take turn as the Test progresses; Bangladesh, none. Unfortunately, Afghanistan won the toss, and the Test began with Taijul Islam (2/73) and Shakib Al Hasan (0/50) opening bowling.

Ihsanullah (9) began cautiously, helping debutant Ibrahim Zadran (21) add 36 before getting squared up by Taijul and losing his off-stump. This was Taijul’s 100th Test wicket. He then had Ibrahim slogging unnecessarily and getting caught at long-off. Hashmatullah Shahidi fell last ball before lunch, edging to slip off Mahmudullah. Afghanistan were 77/3 at this stage.

Rahmat and Afghan then took control, adding 114 in the second session. Both men used their feet wonderfully, not hesitated to go over the top, even against the turn.

The celebrations for the Test ton perhaps affected Rahmat’s concentration. Slow on the shot, he was caught at slip. Three balls later Nayeem had one scoot through the defence of Mohammad Nabi.

Key players

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Bangladesh need 5 wickets, and who better than Shakib to run through the lower half? His batting will also be crucial on conditions he is used to. He is key if Bangladesh want to roar back into the match.

Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan): Afghanistan has had an excellent start, but they need to pile on the runs. Afghan, now on 88, will have to see through the first session and marshal the tail to push that score beyond 400.

Brief scores

Afghanistan 271/5 (Rahmat Shah 102, Asghar Afghan 88*; Nayeem Hasan 2/43) vs Bangladesh.

Prediction

Afghanistan to reach 400 and claim a few wickets.