A commanding century from Najmul Hossain Shanto placed Bangladesh firmly in control of the opening Test against Pakistan, as he combined with Mominul Haque for a dominant third-wicket stand. The pair added 170 runs, frustrating Pakistan’s attack throughout the afternoon until a late strike from Mohammad Abbas provided some relief for the visitors.
Dominant Partnership Takes Charge
Resuming after lunch, the duo continued with authority, largely untroubled by Pakistan’s seamers or spinners. Any early assistance for the quicks had diminished, leaving little threat for two well-set batters.
Following a quiet start to the session, Shanto kickstarted the scoring with a boundary off Abbas. Pakistan captain Shan Masood rotated his bowlers frequently, but Bangladesh maintained control, particularly against spin. Shanto took the attack to Noman Ali, using his feet confidently and finding gaps with precision.
His landmark moment arrived with a boundary through the covers, bringing up his ninth Test hundred, celebrated with visible emotion. However, the joy was short-lived. Abbas, switching angles with Mohammad Rizwan standing up to the stumps, trapped Shanto lbw on the very next ball. Though initially turned down, the decision was overturned on review.
Mominul Anchors the Innings
At the other end, Mominul played a composed supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 64. He repeatedly used the late cut to good effect against the seamers, adapting well to varying field placements and ensuring steady progress.
More Read
Content to rotate strike, Mominul allowed his captain to dominate while calmly absorbing pressure, helping Bangladesh maintain control throughout the session.
Recovery After Early Setback
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss seemed justified when Bangladesh slipped to 31 for 2 on a green surface. Shaheen Afridi struck early, drawing an edge from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, while Hasan Ali added another breakthrough with support from Salman Agha in the slips.
However, Shanto and Mominul steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, guiding Bangladesh past 100 before lunch. A missed chance in the slips, involving Salman Agha and debutant Abdullah Fazal, further dented Pakistan’s hopes during that phase.
More Read
Conditions Ease as Bangladesh Build
Despite the initial assistance for seamers, conditions gradually became more batting-friendly. Pakistan fielded a pace-heavy attack, with just one specialist spinner on either side, reflecting expectations around the pitch.
As the session progressed, Bangladesh capitalised on the easing conditions. Shanto expanded his strokeplay, driving fluently through the off side, while the pair accelerated scoring against a tiring attack. Even Afridi, after a strong start, struggled to maintain his impact as runs began to flow more freely.
By tea, Bangladesh had built a commanding position, with the only setback being Shanto’s late dismissal — a breakthrough that offered Pakistan a narrow opening after an otherwise one-sided session.
