AFG vs BAN One-Off Test Highlights: Sediqullah Atal Maiden Century, Qais Ahmad Defiance Foil Bangladesh to Seal Thrilling Draw

A heroic final-day rearguard anchored by opener Sediqullah Atal and lower-order batter Qais Ahmad allowed Afghanistan to pull off a dramatic escape on Tuesday evening at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Set an improbable fourth-innings target of 479 following Bangladesh's second-innings declaration, Hashmatullah Shahidi's side mounted a monumental resistance across three sessions. Led by Atal's resolute 111 and an unbeaten 49 from Qais Ahmad, Afghanistan batted through 142 overs to reach 346 for 8 before stumps were drawn, denying Najmul Hossain Shanto's side a test victory in the Emirates.

DailyCricInfo breaks down the full verified scorecard statistics, decisive partnerships, and defensive highlights from the final day in Abu Dhabi.

Atal Marathon and Middle-Order Grit Thwart Bangladeshi Spinners

Resuming the fifth morning on 132 for 3, Afghanistan faced an uphill task to survive 90 overs against Bangladesh's bowling attack.

Overnight batter Hashmatullah Shahidi held firm during the early exchanges, compiling 36 off 69 balls before all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke through to have the Afghan captain caught by Hasan Mahmud. Wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil then joined forces with Sediqullah Atal, adding 48 crucial runs for the fifth wicket.

Alikhil contributed a patient 33 off 69 balls, including five boundaries, blunting the spin of Taijul Islam before fast bowler Ebadot Hossain produced an edge that Litton Das safely held behind the stumps.

At the center of Afghanistan's resistance stood 25-year-old opener Sediqullah Atal.

Displaying remarkable concentration outside off stump, the left-hander absorbed 332 deliveries, dead-batting good-length deliveries and punishing loose balls with nine boundaries and three sixes. Atal brought up his maiden Test century in 294 balls, anchoring the innings across four distinct sessions.

Taijul Islam eventually broke Atal's 332-ball vigil in the 119th over, having him caught by Tanzid Hasan for 111, reducing Afghanistan to 281 for 7.

Qais Ahmad and Tail Stand Firm to Foil Bangladesh

With 23 overs remaining and Bangladesh needing three wickets to seal the contest, leg-spinner Qais Ahmad mounted a defiant counter-attack.

Qais found an able partner in Yamin Ahmadzai, who defended tenaciously for 19 off 85 balls. The pair added 45 runs across 18 overs, frustrating the Bangladeshi attack as the shadows lengthened at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck in the 138th over, having Ahmadzai caught by Mominul Haque, leaving Bangladesh two overs to dislodge the final pair.

However, Qais Ahmad and last man Zia-ur-Rehman held their ground with sheer nerve.

Qais took the attack to Taijul Islam in the final over, launching two towering sixes straight down the ground to remain unbeaten on 49 off 80 balls, while Zia-ur-Rehman survived 12 deliveries for a scoreless stay.

Afghanistan closed their fourth innings on 346 for 8 after 142 overs when the umpires signaled stumps, confirming a memorable draw for the nominal hosts.

Bowling Efforts and Series Summary

For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout bowler on the final day, returning figures of 3 for 73 from 33 overs. Ebadot Hossain finished with 3 for 50 in 21 overs, while Hasan Mahmud (1 for 66) and Taijul Islam (1 for 112 in 48 overs) bowled with relentless discipline on an unresponsive Day 5 pitch.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was named Player of the Match for his dual batting contributions of 53 and a brilliant second-innings 102 off 117 balls that set up Bangladesh's declaration.

Both teams now transition to white-ball cricket, heading to Sharjah for the three-match bilateral ODI series scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 21.

For verified live scorecards, toss news, and real-time ball-by-ball analysis throughout the upcoming ODI series, keep following DailyCricInfo.