Hosts Bangladesh are sensing a commanding victory against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match as the tourists, in pursuit of a colossal target of 662, already lost two wickets at close of day three in Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Friday.
It was complete domination from the Tigers throughout day three as they piled on the runs at a pretty good rate to frustrate the Afghan bowlers.
The home side resumed the day on 134/1 with Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan both on identical 54 and well-set.
They looked good with their partnership initially before Zakir (71) got run out while taking three runs during the 35th over of the innings.
But Shanto remained solid and continued his purple patch, just like the first innings, and scored freely all around the park.
He picked up his fourth Test century and became only the second Bangladeshi to score a hundred in both innings of a Test.
The first batsman to achieve that feat was not out at the other end when Shanto posted that record, that being Mominul Haque who also batted brilliantly.
Shanto's magnificent innings came to an end after scoring 124 off 151 deliveries.
The left-hander smashed 15 boundaries and altogether hit 38 fours in this match (23 in the first innings), which is a new record, surpassing the previous best of Tamim Iqbal (33).
Mominul was impressive from the beginning of his knock although he survived a close leg-before wicket appeal early.
But he was fluent afterwards and kept milking the inexperienced Afghan bowlers.
Mushfiqur Rahim was out for just eight after Shanto's dismissal but Mominul formed a 143-run unbroken partnership with skipper Liton Das for the fifth wicket to extend the Tigers' humongous lead.
Mominul reached his 12th Test hundred just after the tea session.
It was well deserved as well as one that provided relief as this three-figure mark came after 26 innings and as many months for the former skipper.
Mominul was unbeaten on 121 off 145 deliveries with a dozen fours and one six when Bangladesh announced the declaration.
Liton was also impressive with his fluent 66 not out off 81.
A 662-run target was a daunting task for the visiting batters who were bowled out for just 146 in the first innings.
And they started their second innings in the worst possible way, losing the wicket of opener Ibrahim Zadran off the very first ball.
It was an in-swinging delivery from left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam and Zadran was trapped in front.
The umpire declared it out to spark the Bangladesh celebration.
Afghanistan batters took the review but TV replay showed the umpire's decision was right and Zadran had to depart for a golden duck.
Taskin Ahmed initiated the second breakthrough as other opener Abdul Malik went back to the pavilion after scoring five.
Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi was retired hurt later after being struck by a short ball from Taskin.
It was learned that he was sent to hospital for check-up.
Afghanistan eventually finished on 45/2 with their skipper retired hurt.
They still need 617 more runs to win the match with the remaining batting order as the Tigers look overwhelming favorites to wrap up the game on day four.
