Bangladesh continued to build a strong first-innings total against Pakistan on the second day of the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, reaching 380 for 7 at lunch on Saturday.
The visitors found success in the morning session through veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas, who claimed all three wickets to fall before the break. Abbas provided Pakistan with much-needed breakthroughs, but Bangladesh remained in control thanks to a determined innings from Mushfiqur Rahim.
Resuming the day at 301 for 4, Bangladesh suffered an early setback when Litton Das was dismissed for 33, leaving the hosts at 338 for 5. Abbas then removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 10, slowing the scoring rate and putting pressure on the lower order.
Just before lunch, Abbas struck again by dismissing Taijul Islam for 17, completing an impressive spell and giving Pakistan some hope of limiting the total.
Despite wickets falling around him, Mushfiqur Rahim remained calm and composed. The experienced batter guided the innings expertly and reached an unbeaten 71 runs, ensuring Bangladesh maintained their advantage. He was joined by Ebadot Hossain, who had yet to open his account at the interval.
Bangladesh laid the foundation on Day 1 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring a brilliant 101, while Mominul Haque contributed 91. Their 170-run partnership rescued the team after early wickets from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled with discipline and conceded 31 extras, a costly factor in Bangladesh’s commanding position.
