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Bangladesh extended their lead past 400 runs against Afghanistan on the fourth day of the Abu Dhabi Test on Monday, powered by Liton Das’s half-century and a growing partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
At 93 overs, Bangladesh were 319 for six in their second innings, with Liton unbeaten on 71 and Miraz on 30. Their overall lead stood at 425 runs.
Liton batted aggressively from the start of the day, finding boundaries against spinners Qais Ahmad and Ziaur Rahman. He survived two dropped catches in the opening 20 minutes before reaching the milestone of 9,000 international runs with a boundary.
He became the fifth Bangladeshi batter to reach the landmark, joining Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.
Liton then brought up his 22nd Test half-century with another four off Mohammad Salim Safi. He continued to build the innings with Miraz after Hasan Mahmud was dismissed late on the third day. The pair added more than 50 runs, with Liton making the major contribution.
Earlier, Bangladesh had strengthened their position through a 159-run partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. Both batters fell short of centuries late on the third day, but their stand helped the hosts establish a commanding lead.
Bangladesh scored 346 in their first innings before Hasan Mahmud’s hat-trick and five-wicket haul helped bowl Afghanistan out for 240.
With Liton and Miraz continuing to add runs, Bangladesh are now seeking to set Afghanistan a formidable fourth-innings target.
