Khairul Alam From Mirpur Stadium – Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s magnificent century and a record-breaking third-wicket stand with Muminul Haque propelled Bangladesh to a strong position on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan.
By the end of the second session, Bangladesh reached 201/3 in 53 overs, recovering brilliantly after losing both openers early in the morning.
Shanto Leads the Charge with 9th Test Century
After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 31/2. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Muminul Haque completely dominated the Pakistani bowling attack in the second session.
Shanto reached his 9th Test century off just 129 balls, striking 12 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Unfortunately, Shanto was dismissed for 101 immediately after reaching his milestone, trapped LBW by Mohammad Abbas.
His departure ended a massive 170-run partnership, which now stands as the highest third-wicket stand for Bangladesh against Pakistan in Tests, surpassing the previous record of 130 set by Javed Omar and Mohammad Ashraful in 2003.
Muminul Stands Firm
While Shanto played the aggressor, Muminul Haque played a composed innings, reaching his 26th Test fifty in 102 balls. He remained unbeaten on 64 at the tea break, accompanied by veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (0*).
Early Hiccups
Earlier in the day, the Pakistani pacers made early inroads. Shaheen Afridi dismissed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy (8) in the 7th over, while Hasan Ali sent back Shadman Islam (13) shortly after, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 31/2.
Team Composition
Bangladesh entered the match with a balanced attack featuring three pacers—Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed—and two spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Pakistan faced a pre-match setback with the absence of Babar Azam, handing debuts to Ajwan Awais and Abdullah Fazl.
Short Scorecard (At Tea, Day 1)
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Bangladesh 1st Innings: 201/3 (53 overs)
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Najmul Hossain Shanto: 101 (130b)
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Muminul Haque: 64* (102b)
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Mohammad Abbas: 1/32
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Shaheen Afridi: 1/45
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