Afghanistan begin the final day in Abu Dhabi with seven wickets remaining and 347 more runs needed to win. Saving the Test would be a significant achievement for a batting order that must now share the responsibility of resistance.

ASJF NEWS Editorial Board

Afghanistan’s first task on the final morning is within reach: protect the partnership already at the crease. At 132 for three, chasing 479, they cannot afford to let one early dismissal bring two or three more.

Sediqullah Atal resumes on 35 and Hashmatullah Shahidi on 19. Their immediate responsibility is to take Afghanistan through the opening spell and give the remaining batters a foundation. Every over they negotiate together reduces the time Bangladesh have to take the seven wickets they need.

The target should be treated honestly. A successful chase of 479 would surpass the Test record of 418. Finding another 347 runs on the fifth day is an exceptional challenge for any side, including those with far longer histories in the format. Afghanistan can keep the possibility of victory open without allowing it to dictate their early decisions.

The strongest argument for patience comes from their own first innings. Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten 105 helped Afghanistan reach 240, but Bangladesh still secured a lead of 106. His second-innings 51 again provided resistance before his dismissal.

Rahmat has done much of the difficult work. The final day now asks whether others can sustain it.

This is where the value of a batting order becomes clear. One substantial innings can delay defeat. Saving a match usually requires partnerships, support from the lower order and the discipline to begin again after a wicket falls.

For Atal and Shahidi, survival should be the early priority. That does not mean refusing every run. A safe single can interrupt a bowler’s sequence against one batter. A loose delivery can be put away without abandoning the plan. The danger lies in trying to manufacture opportunities because the scoreboard has stopped moving.

Defence, too, requires judgment. Leaving the right ball is as important as blocking the right one. Against spin, uncertainty over length can be costly whether a batter intends to attack or defend. A dot ball is useful when it follows a sound decision; it is not proof of good batting by itself.

The opening hour matters, but Afghanistan cannot divide the day into one decisive spell and everything that follows. A wicketless first session would improve their position. It would still leave hours of work against changing fields, different bowlers and renewed pressure.

Bangladesh have earned the advantage. Their Test victory over Australia in Darwin earlier this year is a reminder of the quality Afghanistan face. Waiting for the attack to lose patience is no substitute for a batting plan capable of withstanding it.

There is also a lesson for how Afghan cricket judges domestic success. Large first-class scores deserve attention. They show that a player can build an innings and should inform selection. They cannot guarantee that the same player will withstand international bowling in the fourth innings of a Test.

That gap should invite scrutiny of preparation and opportunity, rather than ridicule of domestic achievements. Batters need competitive red-ball cricket that tests their defence, their judgment and their ability to return after a difficult session. Those habits cannot be assembled on the morning a Test needs saving.

Nor should the players be asked to imitate Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara or any other great batter. Afghanistan need contributions suited to this match: a sound defence, sensible scoring and a willingness to keep working when there is little reward on the scoreboard.

A draw from this position would deserve recognition. It would deny Bangladesh victory after they had established a commanding lead. More importantly, it would offer evidence that Afghanistan’s batting can endure pressure collectively.

It would not erase the first-innings deficit or answer every question about the side. A saved Test is an achievement to build on, not a reason to stop examining what went wrong.

Afghanistan should begin the final day by making Bangladesh earn the fourth wicket. If it falls, the next partnership must make them earn the fifth. The match will be saved only if that responsibility passes through the order without being abandoned.

Image caption: Editorial illustration of the patience and defensive discipline needed to save a Test. AI-generated artwork.

Sources: Day-four match report; ICC: Bangladesh’s Test victory in Australia; ICC: record successful Test chases.