Entering the final day needing seven wickets for victory, Bangladesh were comfortably positioned as favorites to seal the match.

The Tigers' bowlers periodically chipped away at the batting order to keep their winning hopes alive, but a series of missed opportunities ultimately led to disappointment for Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side.

Following a superb century from Sediqullah Atal, an extraordinary late-order resistance by Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad earned Afghanistan an improbable draw.

Resuming the fifth day at 132 for 3, Afghanistan prioritized saving the match over chasing down a steep target. Overnight unbeaten batters Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi displayed exceptional discipline early in the morning, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto frequently rotated his bowlers, but to little avail. The spin trio of Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan struggled to generate significant turn on the Abu Dhabi pitch despite cracks opening up on the final day.

While the pitch remained favorable for batting, enduring long spells under severe heat proved challenging. Shahidi was forced to leave the field retired hurt in the first session due to cramps after scoring 20 off 33 balls.

Bangladesh finally broke through shortly before lunch. In the 78th over, Ebadot Hossain bowled a short delivery down the leg side, prompting Ikram Alikhil to attempt a pull shot.

The ball edged off the outer portion of his bat, allowing wicketkeeper Litton Das to take a brilliant diving catch to his right. Alikhil departed for 33 off 69 balls.

Atal then paired with Ismat Alam for a stubborn fifth-wicket partnership, adding 40 runs. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand when Ismat chipped a catch to Najmul Hossain Shanto after scoring 4 runs off 60 deliveries.

A rested Shahidi then returned to the crease, but Miraz struck again shortly after. Shahidi fell for 36 off 69 balls after offering a catch to Hasan Mahmud.

While wickets tumbled at one end, Atal stood firm at the other. Exercising immaculate patience, the Afghan opener brought up his maiden Test century. His marathon stay ended on 111 off 332 balls—including nine boundaries and three sixes—when he was eventually dismissed by Taijul Islam.

Atal’s dismissal left 23.2 overs remaining in the day's play, reigniting Bangladesh’s victory prospects. However, Yamin Ahmadzai and Qais Ahmad mounted an incredible lower-order defense for the eighth wicket, effectively dashing Bangladesh's winning hopes.

By the time Ahmadzai was eventually dismissed for 19 off 85 balls, Afghanistan had safely navigated the match toward a draw. Qais Ahmad alongside Zia-ur-Rehman comfortably saw out the remaining overs. Qais remained unbeaten on a crucial 49 off 80 balls, while Zia-ur-Rehman remained on 0.

For Bangladesh, Ebadot Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each, while Hasan Mahmud and Nayeem Hasan claimed one wicket apiece.

Despite crafting a clear path to victory on the final day, Bangladesh were ultimately left frustrated by their inability to seal the win.