By: LakshmiPS
Rain delayed the start of the fifth day’s play in the one-off Test between Bangladesh and Afghanistan on Monday, with the visitors on the cusp of victory.
Having dominated in only their third ever Test, Afghanistan reduced the home side to 136 for six before rain forced an early close to the fourth day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.
Chasing an improbable 398, Bangladesh still require 262 to win with skipper Shakib Al Hasan unbeaten on 39 alongside Soumya Sarkar who his yet to score.
On Sunday, spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh.
The highest successful run chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by New Zealand at the same ground in 2008.
“Yes, we are bit excited because we are in a good position,” Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai said.
“It means a lot to be honest,” he added.
“The people know about us good enough in white-ball cricket. We’ve discussed in our dressing room that this Test match is very important for us to win because we want to show we can play Test cricket.”
Rashid, who made his debut as youngest-ever Test captain, led Afghanistan from the front, finishing the day with 3-46 while left-arm chinaman Zahir claimed 2-36 runs.
Retiring all-rounder Mohammad Nabi claimed the other wicket.
Zahir started the victory push when he dismissed opener Liton Das, who was trapped leg before for nine two balls after a caught-behind decision against him was overturned by the TV umpire on review.
One-down Mosaddek Hossain chased a ball from him wide outside the off-stump to give a catch to Asghar Afghan at long off after making 12 runs.
Rashid trapped Mushfiqur Rahim plumb in front after the former Bangladesh skipper started confidently to make 23 off 25 balls.
Rashid delivered another blow in his next over to dismiss Mominul Haque out lbw for three.
Nabi removed Shadman Islam, who made 41 runs, the highest for Bangladesh so far in the second innings.
Rashid then snapped the wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad for seven before rain provided the home side some respite.
(AFP)
