Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a century as the hosts took control against Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The hosts reached 301-4 at stumps on day 1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
After Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first, Bangladesh won all three sessions through disciplined batting. Shanto led the charge with 101 off 130 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. Mominul Haque made a composed 91 from 200 balls. Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48 at stumps, alongside Litton Das on eight.
Early Pakistan Wickets
Pakistan’s pace attack made early inroads. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight in the fourth over. Hasan Ali then dismissed Shadman Islam for 13, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31-2 inside 11 overs.
Pakistan’s hopes of exploiting seam conditions were raised briefly. But Shanto and Mominul steadied the innings with a 170-run stand for the third wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shanto and Mominul Dominate
The pair gradually wrestled momentum away from Pakistan as conditions eased. Shanto accelerated confidently, while Mominul relied on deft late cuts and clever strike rotation. Bangladesh crossed the 100-run mark before lunch and continued their dominance in the afternoon session.
Shanto reached his century with a boundary. Pakistan finally broke the partnership when Mohammad Abbas trapped the Bangladesh skipper lbw. Mushfiqur joined Mominul to add another 75 runs.
Spinner Noman Ali eventually denied Mominul a century when he was trapped lbw for 91 after a six-hour stay at the crease.
Pakistan’s Frustrating Day
Pakistan’s bowlers endured a frustrating day overall, struggling with rhythm and discipline while conceding 31 extras, including eight no-balls and 16 byes. Shaheen, Abbas, Hasan and Noman claimed one wicket apiece.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi reached a milestone, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to complete 100 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
- Bangladesh ended the day at 301-4.
- Shanto scored 101 runs off 130 deliveries.
Bangladesh’s disciplined batting ensured the hosts finished firmly in command heading into day two of the first Test.