DHAKA, June 15, 2023 (BSS)-Afghanistan still hoped to save the Test despite knowing that it would be an uphill task to survive the rest of the two days against a Bangladesh bowling attack, which looked to be extremely dangerous. 

The visitors reached 45-2 at stumps on day three, still needing 617 runs to win the one-off Test after Bangladesh set them an improbable 662-run target, thanks to century from Najmul Hossain Shanto (124) and Mominul Haque (121 not out).

They indeed need to rewrite the record books if they want to win the game. 

"We are working at trying to bat out the two days, which is going be tough. And I thought the fight shown tonight by the two batsmen who are not out was good," Afghanistan coach Jonathon Trott said.

"It is what we expect in Test cricket, good Test cricket. So, pitch we can see is a little bit up and down and is going to be a little challenge. It actually seemed to not misbehave as much today as it did on day two. So, hopefully, that's signs for us the pitch is getting a little bit slow and we can bat out and put up a good performance."

Bangladesh's domination however was not unexpected, Trott said, adding that the Tigers are always a dangerous team at their own backyard.

"I knew it'd be tough. I didn't think it would be easier. I was fully aware of that Bangladesh should be, I mean, we saw they played some really good cricket against England in the, I know it's a different format, ODIS and T20s," Trott revealed.

"So they switched on and you've seen recently as well a lot of dominating successful series, certainly at home. So, coming to play Bangladesh in Bangladesh isn't perhaps looked upon as something that would be winnable."

"In fact, it would be in the past to all nations, not just Afghanistan. I think all nations come here and know it's going to be tough and not viewed as a series that's as winnable perhaps as it was in the past. That's always is going to be tough."

To make matter worse, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was hit in his head by the bouncer of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. 

Trott also spoke on Shahidi: "Obviously a little bit sore, a little bit groggy. It'll just be monitored overnight and the usual process. Our medical staff are really good and he'll be in good hands. So, we hope he's okay. It's important the skipper is healthy and okay to lead the guys. Hopefully, he'll be fine and I'm sure he will be."