Shanto hits clinical century as Bangladesh dominate opening day against Pakistan

Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a commanding century to lead a disciplined batting display as Bangladesh reached 301-4 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan.

The Bangladesh captain’s ninth Test hundred, and his first against Pakistan, anchored a 170-run second-wicket partnership with Mominul Haque. The duo effectively neutralized a pace-heavy Pakistan attack throughout a humid afternoon session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Shanto reached the milestone in style, drilling a Mohammad Abbas half-volley through the covers for four. His 130-ball knock featured 12 boundaries and two sixes, continuing a prolific trend of converting fifties into significant scores.

The stand was eventually broken just before tea when Abbas trapped Shanto leg-before for 101. While the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, a successful review by Pakistan captain Shan Masood showed the delivery hitting off-stump.

Mominul Haque maintained the momentum following Shanto’s exit but fell in the "nervous nineties" for 91. Attempting to parry a quicker delivery from spinner Noman Ali, Mominul was trapped on the back foot; ball-tracking confirmed the delivery was hitting middle-and-leg.

Despite the late wickets, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim ensured the hosts maintained their advantage. Mushfiqur remained composed through the final session, finishing the day unbeaten on 48. He will resume on Saturday morning alongside Litton Das, who is not out on 8.

Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first—influenced by a green-tinged surface—backfired as the pitch offered minimal lateral movement or turn. The visitors were also hampered by the loss of star batter Babar Azam, who was ruled out on the eve of the match with a knee injury. Pakistan handed debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal to reshape a middle order that struggled for rhythm in the field.

Pakistan’s bowlers toiled for most of the day in demanding conditions. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali each claimed a single wicket, but the visitors struggled to make the regular inroads required to justify their decision to bowl first.

The match marks Bangladesh’s return to Test cricket after a six-month hiatus. Following their historic 2-0 sweep in Pakistan in 2024, the hosts appear to have carried that momentum into the new cycle. With six wickets in hand and the set Mushfiqur nearing a half-century, Bangladesh will aim to bat Pakistan out of the game on day two.

For Pakistan, the first hour of the second day remains critical. Without Babar’s batting anchor to rely on later in the match, the visitors must find a way to wrap up the Bangladesh tail quickly to prevent the first-innings total from becoming insurmountable on a Mirpur track that traditionally wears as the match progresses.