Sediqullah Atal Scores Maiden Test Century, Achieves Feat During AFG vs BAN One-Off Match 2026
Sediqullah Atal has etched his name into Afghanistan cricket history by smashing his maiden international century during the ongoing one-off Test against Bangladesh in the UAE. Achieved on October 13, 2026, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Atal became the first Afghan cricketer to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Sediqullah Atal has etched his name into the annals of Afghanistan cricket history, becoming the first player from the nation to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match. The young opener achieved this monumental feat today, October 13, 2026, during the one-off Test against Bangladesh at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, bringing up his maiden international hundred with a sensational shot. Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Live Cricket Streaming Online in India, One-Off Test 2026, Day 5.
Sediqullah Atal stands firm with his maiden century as Afghanistan look to put up a fight on the final day of the only Test against Bangladesh 👊
📝: https://t.co/9IJz6flrJl https://t.co/8QxJ2Cgl0O
— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2026
A Landmark Innings
Atal reached his historic triple-figure mark off 277 deliveries, showcasing immense resilience and skill, featuring 8 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. His strike rate of 36.10 underscored the watchful approach required in a challenging fourth-innings chase. The moment he punched Hasan Mahmud for a boundary to deep backward square leg, the stadium erupted in applause, and Atal celebrated by removing his helmet and bowing to the ground, a poignant display of emotion after a monumental effort.
Match Situation
The significance of Atal's century is amplified by the match scenario on Day 5, second session. Bangladesh had set a formidable target of 478 runs for Afghanistan to win, declaring their second innings at 372 for 7 after posting 346 in their first. Afghanistan, in response, scored 240 in their first innings and are currently battling at 242 for 5 in their second innings. At the time of Atal's century, Afghanistan's score stood at 235 for 4. However, shortly after, Ismat Alam departed for 4 runs off 60 balls, bringing the score to 242/5. Rahmat Shah Joins Virat Kohli in Elite List of Captains To Score Century and Fifty on Test Captaincy Debut During AFG vs BAN Match.
Context and Significance
This one-off Test, part of the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE, 2026 series, has seen both teams exhibit moments of brilliance. Atal's century stands out as a testament to Afghanistan's growing prowess and fighting spirit in Test cricket, especially when under immense pressure in the final innings of the match.
Regardless of the final outcome of the match, Sediqullah Atal's maiden international century will be remembered as a defining moment in his career and a proud chapter for Afghanistan cricket, symbolizing their grit and determination on the biggest stage. His resilient performance offers a beacon of hope for his team in a challenging encounter.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2026 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
