Sediqullah Atal makes history, becomes first Afghan batsman to reach fourth innings Test century

History of Scripts by Sediqullah Atal (Image: X/ @ACBofficials) Sediqullah Atal produced a historic fourth innings century to help Afghanistan secure a draw against Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The left-handed batsman became the first cricketer in Afghanistan to reach a Test hundred in the fourth innings, smashing 111 off 332 deliveries to deny Bangladesh victory despite a daunting 479-run target.Atal’s marathon knock featured nine boundaries and three sixes. He brought up his maiden Test century in style, taking Hasan Mahmud for a boundary before removing his helmet and taking a celebratory bow as his teammates applauded the landmark achievement.

Atal’s marathon innings keeps Afghanistan alive

Afghanistan resumed the final day at 132/3, still needing 347 runs to win. Atal continued to anchor the innings after sharing a vital partnership with skipper Rahmat Shah, who scored 51 off 124 balls.The opener found further support from Hashmatullah Shahidi, who made 36, and batsman Ikram Alikhil, who contributed 33. Their efforts helped Afghanistan withstand the Bangladesh bowling attack and extend the match deep into the final day.Atal eventually departed for 111 after facing 332 balls. Taijul Islam ended the historic innings by summoning an edge which was caught at short leg by Tanzid Hasan. Atal reviewed the decision but UltraEdge confirmed a weak contact, ending his marathon effort at 281/7.

Qais Ahmad helps Afghanistan secure a memorable draw

Despite Atal’s departure, Afghanistan’s lower order refused to give up. Qais Ahmad played a crucial unbeaten knock of 49 off 80 deliveries while Yamin Ahmadzai remained not out on 19 as the visitors were bowled out for 142 overs in their second innings.Afghanistan eventually finished on 346/8 to hold on for a draw after being set a target of 479. The result denied Bangladesh a win despite their strong position heading into the final day.Bangladesh scored 346 in their first innings before bowling Afghanistan out for 240 to take a lead of 106 runs. They then declared their second innings at 372/7, powered by Litton Das’ 102 and contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, to set Afghanistan a challenging target.Atal’s historic century and the resistance of Afghanistan’s lower order ensured the one-off Test ended in a draw, turning what looked like a victory for Bangladesh into a memorable struggle for the visitors. Litton Das was named player of the match for his century and contribution across the game.Brief results: Bangladesh 346 and 372/7 declared; Afghanistan 240 and 346/8. The one-off Test ended in a draw.