Bangladesh recovered from two early wickets on the fourth morning of the first Test in Mirpur, with Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto putting together an unbroken 70-run stand to strengthen the hosts’ position.
Bangladesh, who had taken a 27-run first-innings lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386, reached 93 for 2 in their second innings and moved 120 runs ahead. Pakistan began the morning well through Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali, but Mominul and Shanto gradually shifted momentum back towards Bangladesh.
Pakistan Strike Early
With overcast conditions and the floodlights on from the start, Pakistan’s seamers found assistance early in the session. Abbas made the first breakthrough by getting one to nip back into Mahmudul Hasan Joy, trapping him lbw after the ball struck him below the knee roll.
Pakistan kept the scoring tight and soon struck again. Hasan used the variable bounce to good effect, getting a delivery to rise sharply at Shadman Islam, who edged to gully off the shoulder of the bat.
Mominul and Shanto Rebuild
After the openers fell, Mominul and Shanto once again took responsibility for Bangladesh’s recovery. The pair had already played key roles in the first innings, and they continued in similar fashion by absorbing pressure and blunting Pakistan’s attack.
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Mominul adopted the more watchful approach, while Shanto gradually increased the scoring rate as the session progressed. With the new-ball threat fading, batting became easier and Bangladesh’s lead continued to grow.
Bangladesh Finish Stronger Before Lunch
In the final 30 minutes before lunch, the partnership became increasingly fluent. Salman Agha briefly created an opportunity when Mohammad Rizwan put down a sharp chance off an outside edge, but that proved to be Pakistan’s last real opening of the session.
Mominul finished the session with intent, stepping down the pitch to hit Agha over his head in the final over before lunch. Bangladesh ended the morning in control, having turned a shaky start into a position of growing strength.
