Bangladesh squandered a flying start to finish the opening day at 317-8 in 84 overs against Afghanistan in the one-off Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday.
The Tigers looked set for a commanding first-day total after their openers put on 124 runs, but Afghanistan fought back with regular wickets to leave the contest finely poised.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim led the charge with a blistering 83 off 71 balls, while Shadman Islam contributed 67. Litton Das provided some resistance later in the innings with a half-century, scoring 53, but Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals to surrender their early advantage.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh raced to 134-1 at lunch, scoring at around six runs per over. Tanzid was particularly aggressive, striking eight fours and four sixes to put the Afghan bowlers under pressure.
However, pacer Ismat Alam ended the opening partnership by having Tanzid caught behind, denying him a second Test century. Shadman, who had initially played a supporting role, continued his innings with greater freedom after his partner's departure.
Shadman and Mominul Haque then added 60 runs for the second wicket to keep Bangladesh in control. But Afghanistan's pacers began to exploit Bangladesh's vulnerability against short-pitched deliveries, triggering a dramatic collapse.
Mohammad Saleem broke the partnership by dismissing Shadman, before Yamin Ahmadzai struck twice in quick succession to remove Mominul for 39 and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck.
The pressure continued to mount as leg-spinner Qais Ahmad dismissed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 29, leaving Bangladesh in trouble after a promising start.
Litton and Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to steady the innings, but Afghanistan continued to chip away at the lower order.
Saleem finished the day with three wickets, while Ismat claimed two as Afghanistan clawed their way back into the match.
Bangladesh had included an additional spinner, Nayeem Hasan, in their playing XI, anticipating that the pitch would offer greater assistance to spin as the Test progressed.
Despite the late collapse, the Tigers will look to build on Litton's contribution and push towards a more competitive total on the second day.