Ismat Alam bagged unwanted record in AFG vs BAN Test | PC- Zimbabwe CricketAfghanistan are pushing for a historic draw against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, with Sediqullah Atal playing the Test innings of his life. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ismat Alam wrote his name into the history books among the likes of Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. Although the 24-year-old couldn’t contribute much to the scoreboard, his efforts on the final day would be written in golden letters if Afghanistan can achieve a draw. Ismat Alam sits among Dravid, Pujara after taking 44 balls to get off markComing in to bat at number seven, Ismat Alam had one mission in mind: drop the anchor and survive for the rest of the day. As the Bangladesh bowlers tried to break him, the batting all-rounder stood tall. Ismat took 44 deliveries before he got off the mark against Taijul Islam on the 45th ball. While doing so, he broke the Indian Wall Rahul Dravid's and former Zimbabwean Trevor Gripper’s record. John Murray holds the record for most deliveries taken to get off the mark, as the former English wicketkeeper took 79 balls during the Lord’s Test against WI in 1966. Indian great Cheteshwar Pujara is second on the list with 53 balls, followed by Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla. ALSO READLitton Das Creates World Record, Becomes 1st Wicketkeeper In The World To Claim ThisMost balls faced before getting off the mark in a Test innings79 - John Murray (England) vs West Indies, Lord’s, 196653 - Cheteshwar Pujara (India) vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 201852 - Faf du Plessis (South Africa) vs India, Delhi, 201545 - Hashim Amla (South Africa) vs India, Delhi, 201544 - Ismat Alam (Afghanistan) vs Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi, 2026*40 - Rahul Dravid (India) vs Australia, Melbourne, 200740 - Trevor Gripper (Zimbabwe) vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2002Unfortunately for Ismat, his relentless efforts went in vain as he was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 4 after facing 62 balls. Sediqullah Atal's century pushing Afghanistan towards historic drawDespite losing Ismat Alam, Sediqullah Atal is looking determined to help Afghanistan secure a historic draw. The opener has notched his maiden Test century and is again accompanied by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who returned to the crease after being retired hurt earlier in the day.At the time of writing, Afghanistan have batted over 100 overs, with just five wickets down. With nearly 35 overs to go, they are over 200 runs away from victory. By the looks of it, a draw seems the likely option. ALSO READEngland White-Ball Squads For Australia Tour Announced, Jacob Bethell Returns
