Bangladesh took full control of the Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test after a dominant batting display on the opening day in Dhaka. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a superb century, while Mominul Haque played a crucial supporting role to put Pakistan under pressure.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Bangladesh ended the day strongly at 301-4 in 85 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim stayed unbeaten on 48, while Litton Das was batting on eight when stumps were called.
Pakistan started well in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test as Shaheen Afridi removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy early for eight runs. Soon after, Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 13, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31-2.
The pressure, however, did not last long. Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a brilliant partnership. The pair guided Bangladesh past the 100-run mark before lunch and slowly took control of the match.
Shanto played attacking cricket throughout his innings and completed his sixth Test fifty in style. Mominul also looked comfortable and brought up his 26th Test half-century. Their partnership crossed 100 runs and completely frustrated Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The Bangladesh captain continued his excellent form and reached his ninth Test century with confident stroke play. He scored 101 runs off 130 balls, smashing 12 fours and two sixes before Mohammad Abbas finally broke the massive 170-run stand.
Even after Shanto’s dismissal, Bangladesh stayed in command. Mushfiqur Rahim joined Mominul Haque and kept the scoreboard moving at a steady pace. The experienced duo added another important partnership that pushed the total beyond 250.
Pakistan finally found another breakthrough when spinner Noman Ali dismissed Mominul for a valuable 91 runs. His patient innings included 10 boundaries and came at a crucial stage of the Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test.
Mushfiqur Rahim remained calm in the final session and helped Bangladesh cross the 300-run mark before the close of play. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for consistency and also appeared troubled by fitness issues during the day.
Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali picked up one wicket each. Pakistan also conceded 31 extras, including no-balls, byes and leg-byes, which added to their problems on a difficult opening day.
