Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a brilliant century to guide Bangladesh national cricket team to a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team in Dhaka.
At stumps on Day 1, Bangladesh reached 301 runs for the loss of four wickets after dominating all three sessions of the match.
Bangladesh Recover After Early Collapse
Pakistan made an impressive start after choosing to bowl first in Mirpur.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali struck early to reduce Bangladesh to 31/2 within the opening hour.
However, once the new-ball threat faded, Bangladesh gradually rebuilt the innings through a composed partnership between Shanto and Mominul Haque.
Shanto absorbed the pressure confidently before shifting gears and counterattacking Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shanto and Mominul Dominate Pakistan Bowlers
The second session belonged entirely to Bangladesh as Shanto and Mominul added a superb 170-run partnership.
The pair rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries on a flattening Mirpur surface.
Shanto eventually completed a well-crafted century to put Bangladesh firmly in control of the Test match.
Pakistan finally broke the stand shortly before tea when Mohammad Abbas dismissed Shanto.
Mominul Falls Short of Century
Mominul Haque continued his solid innings in the final session and shared a fluent 75-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim.
However, Mominul missed out on a century after falling for 91 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled throughout the day, with Noman Ali leaking runs despite claiming a wicket.
The spinner also faced issues with his run-up and bowled several no-balls during the session.
Bangladesh End Day 1 in Control
Even the second new ball failed to provide Pakistan with breakthroughs as Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das safely guided Bangladesh to stumps.
Rahim remained unbeaten on 48 at the close of play.
Bangladesh scored at least 100 runs in each session, completing a dominant opening day after being asked to bat first.
Pakistan will now hope for early wickets on Day 2 to fight their way back into the contest.