Post-Day Thread: Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Only Test at Mirpur, Day 1

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field, and got off to a fantastic start with Nijat Masood getting Zakir Hasan caught behind for just one run to start the second over of the day - although it did necessitate using a review to convince the umpires that there was indeed an edge.

That was the only good news for Afghanistan for almost two sessions however, as Mahmadul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto put on a formidable 212 run partnership for the second wicket, with Shanto scoring at almost a run a ball to put pressure on Afghanistan's inexperienced bowlers, sorely missing the skills of Rashid Khan.

Once Joy fell for 76 runs, Afghanistan got a bit of momentum back, strangling Mominul down the leg side just after tea (once again needing to go upstairs to get the decision!), then finally dismissing Shanto for an excellent 146 from 175 balls after he skied one to mid-wicket, and getting Litton Das cheaply not long afterwards thanks to a fantastic wrong-un from Zahir Khan drawing the edge to first slip.

Bangladesh held steady for the rest of the evening session, putting on an additional 72 runs before stumps to end the day at 362/5, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease on 41* and 43* respectively, and they appear to be in a fairly commanding position heading into Day 2, although Afghanistan can at least draw some confidence from their ability to claw themselves back into the game after the almighty partnership from Joy and Shanto seemed to put the match beyond reach by Tea on Day 1.