Bangladesh has taken a massive 614 runs lead against Afghanistan on Day Three of the one-off cricket test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Mominul Haque, who resumed the day’s play on 95, was able to close in on a century for the first time in two years. Captain Liton Das was on 48 after the second interval of the day.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 146 in the first innings, completed his fourth test century off 115 balls, becoming the second Bangladeshi batter after Mominul Haque to achieve this feat. Zakir Hasan and Najmul scored 173 runs for the second wicket, until the latter was dismissed by Zahir Khan.
Despite Khan’s brief success, the joy of Afghanistan was short-lived as Mominul and Liton put on an unbeaten partnership of 96 runs for the fifth wicket. Afghanistan’s bowling attack looked clueless and failed to create any chances throughout the morning session.
Bangladesh had put up 382 runs in its first innings, before dismissing Afghanistan for just 146. Despite this, Bangladesh chose to bat first, instead of enforcing the follow-on.
This dominant performance by Bangladesh put them in a commanding position in the test match, and they look set to extend their lead in the coming sessions.
