Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto put his side in a commanding position as Pakistan struggled to make a sustained impact on Day 1 of the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Shanto registered his ninth Test hundred as the hosts closed the opening day strongly at 301 for four in 85 overs.
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh suffered early setbacks as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali reduced the hosts to 31 for two inside 11 overs, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam cheaply. The surface offered movement under overcast conditions, and Pakistan’s pacers looked threatening with the new ball.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 1: Highlights | Scorecard
SHANTO KEEPS PAKISTAN AT BAY
However, Shanto absorbed the pressure superbly before launching a calculated counterattack that completely shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour. Shanto found an ideal ally in Mominul Haque as the pair stitched together a crucial 170-run partnership for the third wicket.
The Bangladesh captain blended caution with aggression, punishing anything loose while remaining technically compact against the moving ball. He reached his half-century off 71 deliveries and grew increasingly dominant after lunch, driving fluently through the covers and pulling the short ball with authority.
The milestone arrived when Shanto drove Mohammad Abbas crisply through extra cover to bring up his century off 129 balls. His innings of 101, laced with 12 boundaries and two sixes, took the sting out of the Pakistan bowling attack. Moments later, Abbas trapped him lbw after Pakistan successfully reviewed the on-field decision.
Pakistan’s frustration deepened as veteran spinner Noman Ali struggled badly with his rhythm. The left-arm spinner repeatedly overstepped during a difficult spell and bowled six no-balls while trying to contain the well-set Bangladesh batters. His lack of control allowed Bangladesh to keep the scoreboard moving and release pressure at critical moments during the second session.
MOMINUL FALLS SHORT OF HUNDRED
Mominul looked set for a memorable century after producing a composed and resilient knock, but heartbreak struck on 91 when Noman trapped him lbw late in the day. Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48 alongside Litton Das, who has delivered several important knocks for Bangladesh in Test cricket over the years.
Historically, the Mirpur surface becomes increasingly difficult to bat on as the match progresses, with significant assistance for bowlers later in the game. If Bangladesh manage to push past 400 on Day 2, Pakistan could find themselves chasing leather for long periods. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz still to come, the Tigers will first aim to cross 350 before setting their sights even higher.
– Ends
