Rahmat Shah's unbeaten 84 keeps Afghanistan in the fight after Bangladesh post 346 in Abu Dhabi Test

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah led a determined fightback with an unbeaten 84 as the hosts reached 211 for 4 at stumps on Day 2 of the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, recovering through a crucial partnership to trail Bangladesh by 135 runs.

Bangladesh bowled out for 346

Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 317 for 8, added 29 runs to their overnight total before losing their final two wickets and being dismissed for 346. Nayeem Hasan remained unbeaten on 35 as Afghanistan wrapped up the innings.

Mohammad Saleem led the bowling effort with four wickets for 82 runs, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three for 79 to keep Afghanistan's attack on top in extreme heat.

Afghanistan stumble despite Malik's maiden fifty

Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh an early breakthrough by dismissing Sediqullah Atal after the opener made 17. Ebadot Hossain then removed Kamal and Abdul Malik, whose 62 — a maiden Test half-century and a career best — had given the reply early steel.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz added to Afghanistan's troubles by dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 139 for 4 and still staring at a sizeable first-innings deficit.

Rahmat and Alikhil steady the ship

With the innings in the balance, Rahmat and Ikram Alikhil combined to rebuild. Rahmat batted with composure and aggression to reach 84 not out off 186 balls, while Alikhil provided valuable support with an unbeaten innings of his own.

The pair added an unbroken 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take Afghanistan to 211/4 at stumps — 135 runs behind, but with the game still very much alive.

A landmark match for Rahmat

The knock carries extra significance for Rahmat, who is leading Afghanistan in Test cricket for the first time. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first when the match began at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday, with Najmul Hossain Shanto's side fielding three spinners and two pace bowlers.

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, speaking during Saturday's play, insisted the pitch will turn more as the match wears on and defended his spinners' short spells in the punishing heat — a warning the Afghanistan batters will keep in mind as Day 3 unfolds.

What lies ahead

Day 3 is finely poised. Bangladesh will look for early wickets to expose the lower order, while Rahmat and Alikhil will aim to narrow the deficit and put their side in a stronger position heading into the second innings.