Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal delivered a memorable performance against Bangladesh in the one-off Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, October 13. The left-handed batter showed tremendous patience under pressure as Afghanistan fought to stay alive in a challenging fourth-innings chase.
Bangladesh had posted 346 in their first innings before declaring at 372/7 in their second innings, setting Afghanistan a daunting target of 479 runs. After being bowled out for 240 in their first innings, the visitors needed a special batting effort on the final day to avoid defeat.
Sediqullah Atal reaches maiden Test century against Bangladesh
Atal produced a determined innings to bring up his maiden Test century, reaching the milestone after facing 278 deliveries. The opener displayed remarkable concentration and discipline against the Bangladesh bowling attack, refusing to give away his wicket despite the pressure of the chase. His effort proved vital as Afghanistan lost wickets during their attempt to save the match.
Atal remained unbeaten on 101, while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi supported him at the other end on 24 not out. Afghanistan reached 249/5 after 98.3 overs, leaving them 230 runs short of the target with five wickets remaining. Atal’s resistance gave the visitors hope of saving the match, even as Bangladesh continued to push for a win.
Bangladesh remain in control despite Afghanistan’s fightback
Bangladesh’s advantage came from several important contributions across their two innings. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 82, Mushfiqur Rahim made 81, and Litton Das struck 102 in the second innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also added an unbeaten 52, helping Bangladesh build a substantial lead before declaring. Afghanistan had shown some resistance in their first innings through Rahmat Shah, who scored 105, and Abdul Malik, who contributed 62.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on the visitors, leaving them with a demanding task in the fourth innings. With the final day progressing, Afghanistan needed further contributions from their remaining batters to deny Bangladesh victory. Atal’s century had given them a valuable foundation, but the outcome remained uncertain as the visitors continued their fight for survival.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Sediqullah Atal becomes the 1st Afghanistan cricketer to score a test ton in the 4th innings ⚡💯#SediqullahAtal #BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/MrJxxRz82b
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 13, 2026
Sediqullah Atal stands firm with his maiden century as Afghanistan look to put up a fight on the final day of the only Test against Bangladesh 👊
📝: https://t.co/9IJz6flrJl pic.twitter.com/8QxJ2Cgl0O
— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2026
𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐇 𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋! 💯
Sediqullah Atal stands tall for Afghanistan and brings up a magnificent fighting century on the final day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh! 👏
A solid, high-quality knock from the top-order… pic.twitter.com/E5BuyejSMg
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 13, 2026
Outstanding character and skill from 25 ur old Sedqullah Atal in bringing up his first century in FC cricket, and that being a test century.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 13, 2026
Sediqullah Atal 💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #AfgvsBan
— Shashank Suresh (@naanobba_kalla) October 13, 2026
Incredible century from sediqullah atal. One of the best I’ve seen genuinely. Doing it in 4th innings in these weather conditions and a proper test knock playing for the team. Barely put a foot wrong in this innings too not many false shots or chances for Bangladesh.
— shabs 🇧🇩🏏 (@shadowbangla) October 13, 2026
Sediqullah Atal 👀
— Ajmal Zadran (@Ajmalzadran18) October 13, 2026
Absolute One Handed Blindsr By Litton Das To Dismiss Ikram Alikhil. Partnership Between Sediqullah Atal And Ikram Alikhil Broken After So Long. Third Wicket In This Innings For Ebadot Hossain
— Aryan Goel (@AryanGoel101922) October 13, 2026
Two teams fighting for survival on day 5, SA almost done
But Afghanistan not bowling down easily against Bangladesh with Sediqullah Atal on 95
They’re 236-4 with 43 overs left#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/KDvyE73OJy— 🅰️BHIJEET (@TheYorkerBall) October 13, 2026
Sediqullah Atal showing strong resistance vs Bangladesh
He’s on 102 of 284 balls not out while Afghanistan require 228 in 38 overs with 5 wickets in hands vs BangladeshCan they save the test match?? pic.twitter.com/84O40dbd8Q
— justacricketlover (@imkmalhotra) October 13, 2026
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