Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's blazing century set the tone as Bangladesh finished day one of the first Test against Pakistan on 301-4 from 85 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday, in a day that belonged firmly to the hosts.
Shanto struck his ninth Test hundred off just 127 balls, blazing 12 fours and two sixes in a commanding display of aggressive batting, before falling lbw to veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas for 101 off 128 balls — out the very next ball after reaching the milestone.
The left-handed pair of Shanto and Mominul Haque then put on a record 170 runs off 257 balls for the third wicket against Pakistan — the third highest partnership overall for Bangladesh in home Tests — as the hosts thoroughly dominated the middle session.
Mominul was cruelly denied what would have been a deserved century, trapped lbw by spinner Noman Ali when just nine runs short of his 14th Test hundred. The experienced left-hander had looked in sublime touch throughout his 139-ball knock of 91, and will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on a well-earned milestone.
But Bangladesh refused to let the momentum slip. Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das kept Pakistan at bay in the final session, surviving the second new ball without alarm to carry Bangladesh safely to stumps. Mushfiqur, one of Bangladesh's most experienced campaigners, ended unbeaten on 48 off 104 balls, while Litton remained not out on eight off 35 balls.
Bangladesh had earlier recovered from a shaky start, losing both openers inside the first hour. Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Shaheen Shah Afridi behind for eight after surviving a drop catch on four, before Shadman Islam was caught at slip off Hasan Ali for 13. But from that precarious position, Shanto and Mominul took complete control to turn the day firmly in Bangladesh's favour.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali each took one wicket for Pakistan, but it was a largely frustrating day for the visitors, who will need to regroup significantly overnight.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
