Bangladesh Dominate Pakistan on Opening Day of First Test
Bangladesh took firm control on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Friday. The home side reached a strong 301-4 in 85 overs after being asked to bat first, thanks to a brilliant century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and a solid knock by Mominul Haque.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impact throughout the day. Shaheen Afridi gave the visitors an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for just 8 runs. Soon after, Hasan Ali removed Shadman Islam for 13, leaving Bangladesh at 31-2 in the 10th over.
This was when Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto formed a match-defining 170-run partnership. Shanto played aggressively and brought up his ninth Test century with a commanding 101 off 130 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. Mominul supported him brilliantly, scoring a patient 91 off 200 deliveries with 10 boundaries.
Mohammad Abbas finally broke the big stand by dismissing Shanto. Later, Noman Ali got rid of Mominul Haque just short of a century. However, Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48, and Litton Das was on 8 when stumps were drawn. The pair added valuable runs to take Bangladesh past the 300-run mark.
Pakistan’s bowling attack looked rusty, with fitness concerns visible. All four bowlers — Shaheen, Abbas, Hasan, and Noman — took one wicket each, but they leaked 31 extras, including 16 byes. Bangladesh’s batting depth and patience clearly frustrated the visitors on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das will resume on Day 2 with Bangladesh in a commanding position. Pakistan will need to bowl much better and show greater discipline if they want to fight back in this Test match.
