DHAKA: A record century from Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, supported strongly by Mominul Haque’s half-century, put the home side in a commanding position against Pakistan at the end of day one of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
At stumps, Bangladesh had reached 301 for 4 in 85 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48, hitting six boundaries, while Litton Das was not out on 8 off 35 deliveries.
Pakistan bowlers fought back in the final session, with Noman Ali providing the breakthrough by dismissing Mominul Haque, who was trapped lbw for 91 in the 73rd over. Haque had earlier struck 10 fours in his composed innings. The wicket ended a 75-run partnership.
After that, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das safely negotiated the remaining 12 overs, ensuring Bangladesh finished strongly on the opening day. Noman Ali remained the only wicket-taker for Pakistan in the session.
Earlier, Shanto was dismissed in the final over of the second session after scoring a commanding 101 off 130 balls. It was his fifth century as captain, the most by any Bangladesh skipper.
Bangladesh went into Tea at 201 for 3, built on a dominant 170-run partnership between Shanto and Mominul Haque. Mominul had resumed after Tea on 64, while Mushfiqur Rahim was yet to open his account at that stage.
In the first session, Bangladesh scored 101 for 2 after being put into bat by Pakistan captain Shan Masood.
Pakistan made an early impact when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 8 with just 18 runs on the board. Soon after, Hasan Ali struck in his first over, removing Shadman Islam for 13 to reduce Bangladesh to 31 for 2.
However, Bangladesh recovered through a steady partnership between Shanto and Mominul, who absorbed early pressure before rebuilding the innings. The pair added an unbeaten 70-run stand for the third wicket by the end of the opening session, shifting momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.