Afghanistan suffered a setback in their pursuit of Bangladesh’s imposing target of 479 runs in the Abu Dhabi Test after captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was forced to leave the field with an injury on the fifth day.
Shahidi, who had scored 20 runs, was struck on his leg pad by a fielder’s throw and was unable to continue batting. The incident occurred early in the day, adding to Afghanistan’s difficulties as they attempted to stay in contention against Bangladesh.
Afghanistan had ended the fourth day on 132 for three while chasing the challenging target. The team needed a determined batting effort to keep their hopes of victory alive, but Shahidi’s injury created further uncertainty at a crucial stage of the innings.
The incident took place on Tuesday, 13 October, during the third over of the fifth day. Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was bowling when Sediqullah Atal took a single off the fourth delivery. As the batters completed the run, a fielder’s throw struck Shahidi on his leg pad.
The Afghanistan captain began limping following the impact. The team physiotherapist came onto the field to provide initial treatment, but Shahidi was unable to continue his innings. He eventually left the field with the physiotherapist’s assistance, retiring hurt.
In cricket, a batter is recorded as having retired hurt when an injury or physical discomfort prevents them from continuing their innings. Depending on their recovery and the circumstances of the match, they may be able to return to bat later. However, no immediate details were available regarding the severity of Shahidi’s injury or whether he would be fit to resume batting.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil joined Sediqullah Atal at the crease following Shahidi’s departure. Afghanistan were then faced with the difficult task of balancing the need to score runs with the importance of preserving their remaining wickets.
At the time of writing, Afghanistan had reached 149 for three after 57 overs. They still required 330 runs to win, while Bangladesh needed seven more wickets to secure victory.
Shahidi’s absence could prove significant for Afghanistan, particularly given the size of the target and the pressure of the closing stages of the match. The remaining batters needed to build partnerships, maintain a steady scoring rate and avoid losing wickets in quick succession.
For Bangladesh, the priority was to take wickets at regular intervals and prevent Afghanistan from establishing a foothold in the chase. With a substantial gap remaining between Afghanistan’s total and the target, the contest depended on the visitors’ ability to withstand the bowling attack and Bangladesh’s efforts to bring the innings to an end.