Bangladesh moved closer to a comprehensive victory against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. After a commanding century from Litton Das, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372 for 7, setting Afghanistan a challenging target of 479 runs to win.

Litton Das, who scored his seventh Test hundred, finished with 102 runs and also made history behind the stumps, taking eight catches in the match—a new record for Bangladesh, surpassing the previous mark of seven held by Khaled Mashud. Mehidy Hasan Miraz supported Litton with an unbeaten 52, helping Bangladesh secure a 106-run lead after the first innings and extend their advantage on the fourth day.

Afghanistan, chasing the substantial target on a pitch showing signs of wear, ended the day at 132 for 3 in their second innings, with Sediqullah Atal on 35 and Hashmatullah Shahidi on 19. Early wickets fell to Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain, who dismissed Abdul Malik cheaply for two in the second over and later trapped Afghanistan’s captain, Rahmat Shah, for 51 runs. Rahmat Shah’s innings included five boundaries and a six, but his dismissal increased the pressure on Afghanistan as they strive to avoid defeat.

Hasan Mahmud, who impressed with a five-wicket haul including a hat-trick in the first innings, continued his impact by taking the wicket of Shahidullah Kamal for 19. The pair of Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal staged an 82-run partnership for the third wicket, providing some resistance before Bangladesh resumed their attack.

Afghanistan’s fielding displayed signs of strain, with missed chances including reprieves for Litton Das on several occasions and a failed run-out attempt on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, which compounded their difficulties during the day.

Mohammad Saleem, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Yamin Ahmadzai each claimed two wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings, but the hosts' bowling unit, spearheaded by Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud, now aims to secure the remaining seven wickets needed for a win as the final day unfolds.

Battle-hardened from Afghanistan’s first innings total of 240, the visitors face a tough task to save the match under fading light and mounting pressure, while Bangladesh looks poised to claim a significant Test victory on debut in Abu Dhabi.