Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto produced a brilliant century to put his side in a strong position against Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur. At tea, Bangladesh reached 201 for 3, with Shanto scoring 101 and Mominul Haque remaining unbeaten on 64.
Pakistan had started the day well after captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bowl first on a green-looking pitch. The decision seemed correct early on as Bangladesh slipped to 31 for 2. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy, while Hasan Ali removed another batter with help from the slips.
However, Shanto and Mominul then changed the direction of the innings with a calm and controlled partnership. The pair added 170 runs for the third wicket and frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers for most of the first two sessions.
Shanto looked confident against both pace and spin. He used his feet well against Noman Ali and played some elegant shots through cover and mid-off. He reached his ninth Test hundred with a boundary and celebrated the milestone with visible emotion.
But his joy did not last long. On the very next delivery, Mohammad Abbas came around the wicket and trapped him lbw. The umpire initially turned down the appeal, but Pakistan reviewed successfully as ball-tracking showed it hitting the top of middle stump.
Mominul, meanwhile, played a steady supporting role. He used the late cut effectively and absorbed pressure whenever Pakistan tried to slow the scoring. He also survived a missed chance in the slips earlier in the innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers had found movement in the morning, but the conditions eased as the day progressed. Bangladesh took full advantage through Shanto and Mominul, who turned early trouble into a commanding position. Abbas’ late wicket gave Pakistan some relief, but Bangladesh remained ahead at tea.
