Afghanistan on course for victory over Bangladesh

Hosts need 262 runs to win

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Sept 8, (AP): Afghanistan are four wickets away from victory over Bangladesh in their one-off Test.

The newest team in Test cricket had Bangladesh 136-6 in their second innings at stumps on Day 4 on Sunday. The hosts need 398 to win or to bat out the final day for a draw. Bangladesh’s highest successful run chase in Tests is 217.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan led the way for his team with 3-46 with his leg-spin. He took five in the first innings. Opposite number Shakib Al Hasan held Bangladesh’s hopes on 39 not out.

The fourth day came to a premature end because of rain, which delayed the start and interrupted play several times.

Left-arm spinner Zahir Khan, on his Test debut, took 2-36 and began Bangladesh’s slide with the wicket of opener Liton Das lbw for nine.

Mosaddek Hossain, promoted to No. 3 for Bangladesh in place of Mominul Haque, played an expensive cut shot against a turning delivery from Zahir and was caught for 12. Rashid Khan baffled Mushfiqur (23) with a googly and added the wickets of Mominul Haque for 3 and Mahmudullah for 7 to run through Bangladesh’s middle order.

CRICKET

Bangladesh lost 4-47 in that period. Shadman Islam made 41 to top-score for Bangladesh.

Afghanistan only gained Test status last year and have played just two Tests before this but are now on the brink of a memorable victory against a team that have been playing Test cricket for nearly 20 years. Afghanistan lost to India and beat Ireland in their only other Tests.