Mirpur, May 8, 2026: A magnificent century from Najmul Hossain Shanto and a composed innings by Mominul Haque helped Bangladesh national cricket team dominate the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh closed the day strongly at 301-4 in 85 overs, with Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 48 off 104 deliveries, including six boundaries, while Litton Das remained not out on eight from 35 balls.
Pakistan made an encouraging start as left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight runs off 19 balls, with the batter striking two boundaries before departing.
The visitors struck again shortly afterward when Hasan Ali removed Shadman Islam for 13 off 30 deliveries, leaving Bangladesh under pressure at 31-2 in 10.1 overs.
However, Shanto and Mominul steadied the innings brilliantly, adding a crucial partnership that shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour. The pair guided the hosts past the 100-run mark before lunch, with Bangladesh reaching 101-2 after 26 overs.
Shanto continued to dominate the Pakistan bowling attack and brought up his sixth Test half-century before converting it into his ninth Test century. Supported ably by Mominul, the Bangladesh skipper played fluently all around the ground as the partnership flourished.
Mominul also reached his 26th Test fifty as the duo added a commanding 170-run partnership that took Bangladesh beyond 200 runs.
Pakistan finally broke the stand when Mohammad Abbas dismissed Shanto for a superb 101 off 130 balls, an innings decorated with 12 fours and two sixes. Bangladesh went into tea in a commanding position at 201-3 in 52.2 overs.
Following Shanto’s dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim joined Mominul at the crease and the experienced pair continued to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers with another valuable partnership.
The hosts crossed the 250-run mark comfortably before spinner Noman Ali finally removed Mominul for a well-crafted 91 off 200 deliveries, including 10 fours, ending a 75-run stand.
Mushfiqur then batted patiently alongside Litton Das to guide Bangladesh past the 300-run mark before stumps were drawn on a highly productive day for the home side.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for rhythm and consistency throughout the day, with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali taking one wicket each.
The visitors were also hurt by poor discipline and fitness concerns, conceding 31 extras, including 16 byes, seven leg-byes and eight no-balls.
