Najmul Hossain hit his third century as Bangladesh dominated Afghanistan’s bowlers to reach 362-5 on the opening day of their one-off test on Wednesday.
Najmul scored 146 off 175 balls, hitting 23 fours and two sixes, and added 212 runs with opener Mahmudul Hasan. This for the second wicket to disrupt Afghanistan’s plan on a hot and humid day.
Mahmudul missed out his ton, being out on 76 after a knock that included nine fours.
At stumps, Mehidy Hasan was batting on 43 with Mushfiqur Rahim on 41. After sharing 72 runs for the sixth wicket.
“I don’t think we had batted in such hot and humid condition earlier but again it’s something that was not in our control.
What was in our control, we tried to do it perfectly and I believe we are in good position,” Najmul said.
“I enjoyed the way Mahmudul negotiated the new ball. He gave us the momentum.”
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision appeared to be correct before Najmul kept them at bay.
As Bangladesh scored above 4.5 runs per over to rack up its third highest total on day one.
Rahmat Shah, an occasional legspinner, brought the crucial breakthrough for the side when Mahmudul cut straight to Ibrahim Zadran at slip.
The first two sessions saw Afghanistan taking just two wickets. But they pulled the strings in the third session as debutant Masood (2-67) led the charge.