Sediqullah Atal Scored Maiden Fourth-Innings Century
The Afghanistan batter reached 105 not out during the team's chase in a one-off Test match against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Tennis
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Sediqullah Atal became the first Afghanistan cricketer to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The team faced a target of 479 runs to defeat Bangladesh in the one-off match.
Why it matters
This performance marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan cricket in a format where the team has historically limited experience. These matches remain outside the scope of World Test Championship standings.
Sediqullah Atal scored 105 runs not out, becoming the first Afghanistan player to achieve a century in a Test fourth innings. Afghanistan entered the final day needing 479 runs for victory after Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372/7.
The players
Sediqullah Atal
He is an Afghanistan cricketer who became the first player from his nation to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Afghanistan
The national cricket team has played its Test matches primarily outside of the World Test Championship structure.
Bangladesh
The national cricket team is a full member of the International Cricket Council and has faced Afghanistan in several previous Test contests.
The details
Bangladesh set a daunting target after scoring 346 in their first innings and 372/7 in their second. Afghanistan struggled early, recording 240 in their opening innings, but found momentum through Atal's record-breaking performance at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Timeline
2013 was when Bangladesh and Afghanistan played their first Test match.
2018 marked the year Afghanistan played its first-ever Test match against India.
2019 was the year Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 224 runs.
2023 was the year Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 546 runs.
October 13, 2026, was the final day of the one-off Test match.
Season Trajectory
This one-off fixture continues the ongoing development of Afghanistan as a Test-playing nation despite remaining outside World Test Championship standings. The match reflects the team's historical rivalry with Bangladesh, which has fluctuated between narrow margins and lopsided victories.
Atal's not-out score provides a critical morale boost for the Afghanistan squad as they attempt to chase a massive 479-run target. The match remains a standalone test for the players as it does not contribute to the official World Test Championship standings.
The takeaway
Sediqullah Atal's historic fourth-innings century highlights the individual growth of Afghanistan players in long-form cricket. Fans should note that these standalone matches are often used to bridge experience gaps since the team has never played a full Test series except against Zimbabwe.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Mint.
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