Sports Desk:-
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s authoritative century steered Bangladesh into a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Mirpur. By stumps, the hosts reached 301 for 4, effectively winning every session of the day.
The scoring was remarkably consistent, with the team adding exactly 101 runs in the first session followed by 100 in each of the subsequent two.
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat on a grassy surface, Bangladesh overcame early jitters. Pakistan’s pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Abbas found initial success, reducing the home side to 31 for 2 within the first hour. Shaheen claimed the first wicket by drawing an edge from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, while Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam shortly after. However, that was the final significant joy for the visitors for several hours.
Captain Shanto and the experienced Mominul Haque stabilized the innings with a massive 170-run partnership for the third wicket. After weathering the early seam movement, the pair grew increasingly aggressive. Shanto was particularly fluent, driving with confidence and using his feet to dominate the spinners. He eventually reached his ninth Test century—his fifth as captain—before falling to Abbas for 101. The dismissal came via a successful Pakistan review, which showed the ball hitting the top of the stumps.
Mominul Haque provided excellent support, utilizing his trademark late cut to manipulate the field. Although he appeared set for a milestone of his own, he was eventually trapped leg-before by Noman Ali for 91. His departure could have sparked a collapse, but the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim ensured Bangladesh maintained their grip on the match. Mushfiqur ended the day unbeaten on 48, showing great composure against both spin and the second new ball.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled as the pitch flattened out. While the seamers found rhythm in the morning, their potency faded in the heat of the afternoon. The decision by both teams to play only one specialist spinner reflected the green appearance of the pitch, yet it was Bangladesh’s disciplined batting that defined the day.
Litton Das remained unbeaten alongside Mushfiqur at the close of play, leaving Pakistan with a difficult task on day two as the hosts look to post a massive first-innings total.
