Najmul ton guides Bangladesh to 362-5 against Afghanistan

Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain has guided his team to a formidable total of 362-5 against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match held in Dhaka on Wednesday.

“Displaying remarkable form, Najmul scored his third Test century, smashing 146 runs off 175 balls. His outstanding performance was complemented by Mahmudul Hasan, who contributed 76 runs, securing his third Test fifty during their impressive 212-run partnership for the second wicket.”

“At the close of play, Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 41, accompanied by Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 43, as bad light intervened with 11 overs remaining.”

“Afghanistan, missing their influential all-rounder Rashid Khan, found themselves on the back foot after choosing to bowl first on an unusual green-top wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Debutant medium pacer Nijat Masood proved to be the most successful bowler for Afghanistan, claiming figures of 2-67. Masood’s impact was immediate, dismissing Zakir Hasan for just one run on his very first Test delivery in the second over. Afsar Zazai, the wicketkeeper, made an impressive catch, which had to be confirmed by the television umpire after an initial decision of not out.”

“However, Najmul and Mahmudul formed a formidable partnership, taking control of the match and denying Afghanistan any further momentum, despite the challenging pitch conditions.”

“Reflecting on his innings, Najmul expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am happy. It was not that easy to bat on… I only tried to execute my plan.” His innings included consecutive boundaries off Yamin Ahmadzai in the first over he faced and reached his fifty off 58 balls with a boundary off leg-spinner Zahir.”

“Afghanistan briefly regained some ground in the post-tea session when Nijat dismissed Mominul Haque, caught behind down the leg side, for 15. Soon after, Najmul fell, attempting his third six of the innings but instead offering a catch to Nasir Jamal at deep midwicket off left-arm spinner Amir Hamza.”

“Despite these setbacks, Mushfiqur and Mehidy halted any further collapse and steadily reestablished Bangladesh’s dominance with their unbroken 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket.”

“Afghanistan’s bowling coach, Jonathan Trott, acknowledged their team’s shortcomings, saying, “I don’t think we bowled as well as we should have. I think there’s a bit in the wicket. We need to do better tomorrow. It was a good lesson for the guys.””

“In their previous encounter, Afghanistan emerged victorious, defeating Bangladesh by 224 runs in the only other Test match between the two teams at Chittagong in 2019.”