Bangladesh Afghanistan Test Series 
Only Test Played at SBNCS Dhaka from 14-18 June 2023 
Brief Score at Stumps Day One 
Bangladesh 362 /5 in 79 Overs (Najmul Hasan Shanto 146, Mahmudul Hasan Joy 76, Mehedi Hasan Miraj 43*, Mushfiqur Rahim 41, Nijat Masood 2/67) 

Afghanistan, test cricket rookie playing its 7th test against Bangladesh with a depleted team runs into backfoot at stumps of day one. Having asked to bat first on a greenish SBNCS wicket new style Bangladesh batting on white ball mood raced to 362/7 in 79 overs bowled by the tourists.

The wicket had suing, seam movement and reasonable bounce. But adjusting well with the condition Nazmul Shanto playing a flamboyant stroke full innings of 146 and Mahmudul Joy giving him patient company scoring 76 led the team to a stage from where the home team can dictate terms. Mushfique ( 41*) and Mehedi Miraj ( 43*) were at the crease when stumps were drawn for the day. The limited experienced Afghan bowlers failed bowling with discipline ,bowled too many no balls and offered many loose deliveries. If on second morning they can not take few early wickets they may need to struggle to escape humiliating defeat as Bangladesh possesses a very strong all round bowling attack . Afghans were already perspiring for heat and humidity of hot Bangladesh summer.

Afghans won the toss and their debutant Najat Masood entered record book being the 21 bowler taking a wicket with his very first ball in test cricket. Him and his partner Yamin Ahmadzai extracted some early movement. But Bangladeshi top order Joy and Shanto were equal to their task. Joy was solid in defense, but Shanto was flamboyant right from the start. However, after few overs Afghan bowlers fed them with juicy fool tosses and half volleys. The pair took complete control. Shanto was more aggressive of the two. 212 second with partnership between Joy and Shanto may ultimately turn out the match defining performance . It turned out to be highest 2nd wicket partnership of Bangladesh. Shanto scored the 100th hundred at SBNCS but Joy missed it trying to cut a ball leaving him. He scored 76. Shanto scored 146 in 175 deliveries punctuated with 23 boundaries and 2 over and across. It was his third test century and the first at home. He also threw away his wicket try to play one stroke too many. Till tea Afghan attack looked ragged and team appeared rusty. But after team they looked better disciplined. Momin’s wicket was taken through a plan bowling short balls consistently aiming his rib cage. Litton could not make his captainship debut memorable falling early scoring only 9. 

Veteran Mushfique (41*) and glittering all rounder Miraj ( 43* ) were at the crease stitching together a 72 runs unbroken 6th wicket partnership. If Bangladesh score excess of 450 it will not be possible for Afghans saving the test. Bangladesh playing without their two top players Shakib and Tamim did wonderfully well. Afghanistan resting their leading players could not prove their point. However, all is not yet lost. They can still make a comeback taking some wickets early on day two. But their bowlers would like to forget the day one of the test. Nijhat looked impressive though. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb were badly missed. 

BDST: 1000 HRS, JUNE 15, 2023
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