Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable escape against Bangladesh in the one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, batting out the final day to avoid defeat. The visitors faced a daunting target of 479 runs and relied on a determined effort from their batters to survive nearly five sessions.
While Sediqullah Atal’s marathon century and captain Rahmat Shah’s contributions kept Afghanistan in the contest, the lower order also played a crucial role. With the match approaching its final moments, Qais Ahmed grabbed attention with an unusual incident that reminded fans of Gulbadin Naib’s famous time-wasting act during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Qais Ahmed’s apparent fake injury act goes viral
The incident took place in the closing stages of Afghanistan’s second innings, with around 10 minutes left in the day’s play. Facing Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, Qais defended a delivery before suddenly going down and clutching his left hamstring. The timing led many to believe the Afghan batter was trying to run down the remaining time and help his side avoid defeat.
Bangladesh’s players reacted to the moment, which quickly drew attention on social media. The incident brought back memories of Gulbadin’s actions during Afghanistan’s Super Eight match against Bangladesh at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Naib went down while fielding in a rain-affected contest where the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method played a significant role. Afghanistan went on to win that match and qualify for the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time.
Here’s the video:
— cc (@awreow) October 13, 2026
Afghanistan and Bangladesh share the spoils in Abu Dhabi
Bangladesh posted 346 in the first innings, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 83 and Shadman Islam adding 67. Afghanistan replied with 240, as Rahmat struck 105, but Hasan Mahmud’s five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, gave Bangladesh a 106-run lead. The hosts strengthened their position in the second innings, declaring at 372/7. Litton Das scored 102, while Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 82 and 81, respectively, setting Afghanistan a target of 479 runs.
Afghanistan fought back through Atal’s 111 off 332 balls and Rahmat’s 51 in the fourth innings. Yamin Ahmadzai and Ahmed then held firm in the lower order, with Qais finishing unbeaten on 49 off 80 balls and hitting a six off the final delivery. Afghanistan ended on 346/8 to secure a dramatic draw.
Also READ: Fans react as Sediqullah Atal scores maiden Test century against Bangladesh in one-off Test
