Afghanistan held Bangladesh to a draw after Sediqullah Atal smashed 111 off 332 deliveries in the fourth innings, denying the hosts a much‑anticipated win.
Atal’s marathon bat saw him hit nine boundaries and three sixes, while a 51‑run partnership with captain Rahmat Shah steadied the innings. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 36 and Ikram Alikhil’s 33 kept wickets in check, as Afghanistan chased a daunting 479.
When Atal finally departed for 111, the lower order refused to fold. Qais Ahmad’s unbeaten 49 off 80 and Yamin Ahmadzai’s 19* pushed Afghanistan to 346/8, sealing the draw. Bangladesh’s declarations at 346/7 and 372/7 earlier had set a fierce target.
With the draw secured, Afghanistan’s next hurdle will be the ODI series against India, where the team must translate this resilience into victories on the shorter format.