Shanto’s Century and Mominul’s Resilient Knock Put Bangladesh in Command on Day One

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a brilliant century while Mominul Haque played a composed innings as Bangladesh dominated the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in the two-match series.

After being asked to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, the hosts finished the day strongly on 301 for 4 in 85 overs.

Bangladesh, however, had a shaky start. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 8 when Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi forced an edge to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan with the team score on 18.

The second wicket fell at 31 as opener Shadman Islam was caught in the slips off Hasan Ali.

Under pressure, Shanto and Mominul rebuilt the innings brilliantly with a 170-run partnership for the third wicket. Both batters reached their half-centuries after lunch, with Shanto eventually bringing up his ninth Test century.

The Bangladesh captain also set a new national record for the most Test centuries by a Bangladesh skipper, registering his fifth hundred as captain. He scored 101 off 130 balls, smashing 12 fours and 2 sixes before being trapped lbw by Mohammad Abbas.

Mominul also displayed tremendous patience and control, scoring 91 off 200 deliveries with 10 boundaries before falling lbw to spinner Noman Ali, narrowly missing out on a century.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then ensured Bangladesh ended the day without further damage. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 48, while Litton was not out on 8.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, and Noman Ali claimed one wicket each.