Rahmat 105* but Mahmud hat-trick gives Bangladesh lead

Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick wrapped up Afghanistan for 240, handing Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 106. Mahmud became the third Bangladesh bowler, after Alok Kapali (2003) and Sohag Gazi (2013), to take a Test hat-trick, as he put the second new ball to great use.

Mahmud finished with figures of 5 for 55 while Ebadot Hossain took four wickets as the pace bowlers continued to strike for Bangladesh. Mahmud also became the first bowler to take a Test hat-trick in the UAE. Afghanistan's pacers had earlier taken nine wickets in Bangladesh's first innings.

Mahmud now has five-wicket hauls in UAE, Australia, India and Pakistan since his debut in 2024. He also became the fastest Bangladesh pace bowler to reach 50 Test wickets.

The third morning had started with Ebadot removing Ikram Alikhil with a superb delivery that zipped through his bat and pad to bowl the Afghanistan vice-captain for 32 off 103 balls.

The floodgates opened from the other end when Mahmud bowled Ismat Alam with a fuller delivery for 1. Next ball, he had Qais Ahmed caught behind with one that seamed away. Litton took another good catch, adding to his good work from the second evening.

The hat-trick ball was another full ball that nipped away after pitching to hit Zia-ur-Rehman on the back pad. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took the review after the umpire initially gave it not out. As soon as the three reds showed up on the big screen, it led to huge celebrations for the Bangladesh camp. Mahmud then removed Yamin Ahmadzai for a duck as he completed his five-wicket haul.

For Afghanistan, Rahmat Shah top-scored with 105 and remained unbeaten. He slammed a six and two fours to move from 91 to 105 in Mahmud's 21st over. Rahmat had a grin on his face as he reached the three-figure mark, but in the next over Mohammad Saleem fell caught behind to Ebadot.

More to follow...