Rahmat Shah’s Century Overshadowed by Hasan Mahmud’s Hat-Trick as Bangladesh Take 106-Run Lead

Despite Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten century, Bangladesh’s pace attack dominated the third morning, putting the hosts in a commanding position.

Mahmud finished with figures of 5 for 55, while Ebadot Hossain claimed four wickets as Bangladesh’s fast bowlers dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup. The hat-trick also made Mahmud the first bowler to achieve the feat in a Test match in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 25-year-old became only the third Bangladesh bowler to take a Test hat-trick, joining Alok Kapali, who achieved the feat in 2003, and Sohag Gazi, who accomplished the milestone in 2013. Mahmud also became the fastest Bangladesh fast bowler to reach 50 Test wickets.

Since making his Test debut in 2024, Mahmud has recorded five-wicket hauls in the UAE, Australia, India and Pakistan, underlining his growing reputation as a key member of Bangladesh’s pace attack.

Mahmud’s Hat-Trick Triggers Afghanistan Collapse

Bangladesh began the third morning by removing Afghanistan vice-captain Ikram Alikhil, who was bowled by Ebadot with a superb delivery that went through the gap between bat and pad. Alikhil departed for 32 off 103 balls.

Mahmud then took centre stage, triggering a dramatic collapse with the second new ball. He bowled Ismat Alam for one with a fuller delivery before dismissing Qais Ahmed, who edged a seaming delivery to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

The Bangladesh pacer completed his hat-trick by trapping Zia-ur-Rehman leg before wicket with another full delivery that moved away after pitching. Although the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted for a review. The decision was overturned after the technology showed three reds, sparking celebrations in the Bangladesh camp.

Mahmud added another wicket soon afterwards, dismissing Yamin Ahmadzai for a duck to complete his five-wicket haul and leave Afghanistan struggling.

Rahmat Shah Leads Afghanistan with Unbeaten 105

Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah stood firm with a fighting unbeaten 105, providing the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings. His century came off a determined effort as wickets continued to fall around him.

Rahmat accelerated towards the milestone by striking a six and two fours in Mahmud’s 21st over, moving from 91 to 105. He celebrated reaching three figures with a smile, but Afghanistan suffered another setback in the following over when Mohammad Saleem was caught behind off Ebadot.

Rahmat’s resistance ensured Afghanistan reached 240, but the total left them trailing Bangladesh by 106 runs after the first innings.

Malik’s Fifty Provides Early Resistance

Earlier, on the second day, Malik scored a valuable 62 off 120 deliveries, including five boundaries, to give Afghanistan a steady start. His maiden half-century helped build a platform before Ebadot dismissed him through a catch behind the wicket.

Wicketkeeper Litton Das also played a crucial role, completing a stumping to remove Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck.

Rahmat and Alikhil subsequently added 80 runs for the fifth wicket, helping Afghanistan recover from early setbacks. The pair initially scored freely before Bangladesh’s spinners tightened their grip on the contest.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam maintained disciplined lines and lengths, forcing the Afghan batters to rely mainly on singles and twos. The partnership went through a prolonged period without a boundary before Rahmat broke the drought with two fours off Mehidy, followed by a boundary from Alikhil.

However, Bangladesh’s pace attack took control with the second new ball, and Mahmud’s remarkable hat-trick proved decisive.

With a first-innings lead of 106 runs, Bangladesh have put themselves in a strong position, while Afghanistan will need a disciplined bowling performance to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage.