Ruthless Ebadot reduces Afghans 35-3 at lunch

Bangladesh made a perfect reply through fast bowler Ebadot Hossain as Afghanistan found them in wanting in the overcast condition after bowling out the hosts for 382 on day two of the one-off Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here.

Ebadot claimed 2-15 as Afghanistan lost three wickets for 35 runs, going into the lunch. The fast bowler found the edges numerously that flew into the gap, much to the dismay of the Bangladesh.

Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam who took one wicket for six runs so far broke through with the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran before Ebadot got the better of Abdul Malik (17) and Rahmat Shah (9). Captain Hashmatullah Shahid was on 2 at lunch.

But the day started for Bangladesh as worse as it could be.

A day ago when Bangladesh ended the first day on 362-5, Afghanistan coach Jonathon Trott lightly shared the recipe for their victory in this one-off Test from this tricky position-taking hosts’ last five wickets for 10 runs and then put up 500 on the board.

Almost everyone took it as a joke but no one could even think in their wildest imagination that it would be proved right partially.

Resuming the day, the home side was able to play just seven overs before losing the rest of the five wickets for 20 runs, instead of 10, to be all out for 382.

Fast bowler Nijatullah Masood was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 5-79 on his debut. After taking the new ball he was unstoppable as he swung the ball impeccably to dismantle the Bangladesh’s batting line up.

Masood’s fellow pacer Yamin Ahmadzai, who had figures of 2-39, began the rot after the second new ball was available. He dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, caught by Amir Hamza at backward point with a delivery that was well outside off.

Mehidy chased the delivery needlessly to throw away his wicket after scoring 48. Masood then undid the big fish Mushfiqur Rahim who fended a short delivery to slip and missed his half-century after being out for 47.

Bangladesh were reduced to 375-7 and then went to loss the brittle lower order for just seven runs with Masood completing his five-for as the second Afghan bowler after Amir Hamza on debut, rattling the stump of Shoriful Islam.

Afghanistan earlier won the toss and sent Bangladesh into bat first. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the top-scorer for the side with 146 while opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy made 76. (BSS)