At a glance
- Bangladesh closed Day One on 301 for 4 after recovering from early setbacks
- Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a composed unbeaten century in Mirpur
- Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh dominate Pakistan
Bangladesh seized the early advantage in the opening Test against Pakistan at Mirpur as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto produced a commanding century to guide the hosts to 301 for 4 at stumps on Friday.
Despite Pakistan making the expected decision to bowl first on a surface carrying a healthy tinge of grass, it was Bangladesh who walked away with the honours after a day that steadily tilted in their favour.
Remarkably, the home side collected exactly 101 runs in the morning session, 100 in the afternoon and another 100 in the evening to underline the control they maintained throughout the contest.
Bangladesh 301 for 4 (Shanto 101, Mominul 91, Abbas 1-51) vs Pakistan. View the full scorecard here.
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Pakistan Strike Early With the New Ball
Pakistan struck early and briefly threatened to expose Bangladesh’s fragile top-order. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas found movement with the new ball as Bangladesh slipped to 31 for 2 inside the opening hour.
The visitors sensed an opening when Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged behind after flirting outside off stump before Shadman Islam followed soon after, undone by extra seam movement from Hasan Ali.
Shanto Century Powers Bangladesh After Steady Rebuild
Yet just as Pakistan looked poised to tighten their grip, Shanto and Mominul Haque transformed the mood of the day with a partnership built on patience, discipline and growing authority.
The pair added 170 runs for the third wicket in a stand that steadily drained the energy from Pakistan’s attack. Initially cautious against the moving ball, both batters settled into their rhythm as conditions eased.
Once set, Shanto unfurled a series of elegant off-side strokes while Mominul anchored the innings with his trademark composure.
Shanto’s innings carried both assurance and flair. The Bangladesh skipper appeared increasingly confident as the day wore on, driving expansively through cover and punishing anything over-pitched.
His century was met with loud applause around Mirpur and capped a finely judged innings that blended restraint with attacking intent.
Mominul fell agonisingly short of a hundred of his own, dismissed for 91 after playing a crucial supporting role in rescuing Bangladesh from early trouble.
Mushfiqur Keeps Bangladesh Firmly in Control
Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim ensured the hosts closed strongly with an unbeaten 48, calmly steering Bangladesh through the closing stages when late wickets might have handed Pakistan a route back into the contest.
The build-up to the series had centred around expectations of a seam-friendly surface rather than the spin-heavy conditions often associated with Bangladesh. Both teams reflected that thinking in selection, fielding just one specialist spinner alongside three seamers.
For a brief period Pakistan’s pace attack hinted that the decision to bowl first could prove decisive. But as the day progressed, Bangladesh’s experienced middle-order absorbed the pressure and gradually turned the tide.
By stumps, Bangladesh were firmly in command at 301 for 4. Shanto remains unbeaten on 101 and Mushfiqur on 48, leaving Pakistan searching for answers ahead of the second morning.
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