Bangladesh maintained a commanding position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the third day at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, finishing with a 329-run lead and four wickets in hand despite missed century opportunities by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Shanto fell agonizingly short of his tenth Test century, dismissed for 82 by Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad, who trapped him lbw after a delivery that turned sharply and uprooted the stumps as the Bangladesh captain attempted a cover drive. Shanto’s disappointment was evident as he left the field and continued in the dressing room. Mushfiqur Rahim also fell short of a century, contributing 81 runs before his dismissal, but their efforts positioned Bangladesh well as they pressed for a potential victory.

The day began with Bangladesh quickly wrapping up Afghanistan’s first innings early on the third day. Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury combined to take the last six wickets within the first 61 deliveries of play. Hasan’s performance was particularly notable, as he secured a hat-trick—the third by a Bangladeshi bowler in Test cricket after Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi—and went on to claim a five-wicket haul. With these achievements, Hasan reached 50 Test wickets in just 17 matches, making him the fastest Bangladeshi fast bowler to hit this milestone.

Afghanistan was all out for 240, losing their final six wickets for 29 runs. Captain Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 105 from 216 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes in a patient innings.

In response, Bangladesh resumed their second innings at 44 for two following the dismissal of Mominul Haque, who was caught for seven by Yamin Ahmadzai before lunch. The visitors soon lost a third wicket when Tanzid Hasan Tamim edged a delivery from Ahmadzai to slip, finishing with 31 runs off 38 balls, including six fours. Opener Shadman Islam added 13 runs as Bangladesh reached 53 for three after 15 overs.

Shanto overcame several close calls early in his innings, surviving a caught-behind appeal through a review that showed no contact with the bat or glove, as well as another chance off Ahmadzai that was missed by the wicketkeeper and slip fielder. He was initially given out leg before wicket on 11 runs but successfully reviewed the decision when replays confirmed the ball would have missed the stumps. Despite the reprieves, Qais Ahmad’s eventual delivery ended Shanto’s innings.

With Shanto and Mushfiqur falling short of major individual milestones, Bangladesh will rely on contributions from the remaining batsmen to build on their substantial lead on the fourth day.