Visiting Afghanistan A team completed a resounding seven wicket win over Bangladesh A to go 1-0 up in the 1st four-day unofficial Test at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna yesterday.

In reply to a small target of 172, Afghanistan A opener Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Nasir Jamal scored unbeaten 76 and 59 respectively to seal a comprehensive seven wicket win after lunch break. The hosts, however, made an early impact taking Usman Ghani’s wicket in the very first over but could not stop the defeat as the visitors reached the target in 58.2 overs.

After being sent to bat, Anamul Haque’s unbeaten 121, an innings comprised of 14 fours and 2 sixes and Afif Hossain’s 50 helped Bangladesh A post 253 in the first knock. Later on, bowlers put the hosts in driving seat restricting the visitors to 135 for 5 before umpires took the bails off the stumps to call it a day 2.

On day 3, Afghanistan A batsmen did find some momentum to get back on track and bowled out for 257 with a four-run lead over the hosts in their first innings. Sunzamul, Rabbi and Tanbir Hayder claimed three wickets each for Bangladesh A.

On the same day, Bangladesh A made a shocking start with the bat, losing top five only for 81.Most of the damage was done by Afghanistan A leg spinner Qais Ahmad, who ran riot in the second innings. He rattled  Bangladesh A batsmen with his leg spin to bundle out the hosts for 175 after claiming the last scalp of Sumon Khan at the beginning of day 4.

The leg spinner also received player of the match award for his superb bowling display, a total tally of 10 wickets, including the excellent bowling figure of 7 for 65 in the second knock.

The two sides to play 2nd unofficial Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram from July 12-15.