Bangladesh registered a record-breaking win at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka on Saturday as they beat Afghanistan by 546 runs in the one-off Test match. The win was the home team’s biggest victory margin in the longest format of the game. In addition, this also happens to be the biggest victory for a side by runs in the 21st century. This win is the third-biggest ever in terms of runs. While Bangladesh were asked to bat first by the touring party, they were bowled out for 382 runs in the first innings. Najmul Shanto (146), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (76), Mushfiqur Rahim (47) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (48) were the top-run getters for the home team in the first innings.

In response, Afghanistan could only muster 146. Afsar Zazai (36) and Nasir Jamal (35) did get a start but none of the batters could get to a half-century. Ebadot Hossain with figures of 4 for 47 was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh. In the second innings, Shanto scored his second century of the Test match making 124. Mominul Haque (121) also slammed a hundred in this innings. Zakir Hasan (71) and Litton Das (66) scored half-centuries as Bangladesh declared at 425-4.

Walton Test Match: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Only Test | Day 04

Bangladesh won by 546 runs.

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— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 17, 2023

Needing 662 to win in the final innings, Afghanistan innings failed miserably for the second time in the match and got bundled out for 115. This time it was Taskin Ahmed who was was the wrecker-in-chief for the Bangladesh side as he finished with figures of 4 for 37. Shoriful Islam also picked 3 for 28. However, it was Shanto who was adjudged the Player of the Match for a hundred in each innings and scoring a total of 270 runs in the match.  

“First of all, I am very happy because we won this match and the way I batted, I am very happy. We were talking about this after I got my hundred. He [Mominul] said ‘welcome aboard’. As a player we need to perform in all formats. I was very clear in all my plans. I need to work very hard in the future and keep up my batting form,” Shanto said after the match.

Bagladesh and Aghanistan will now compete in a three-match ODI series starting on July 5 which will be followed by two T20Is on July 14 and July 16.