Shanto century puts Bangladesh in control against Pakistan in first Test

DHAKA: Bangladesh took firm control of the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, finishing on 301-4 in 85 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bowl, his side made early breakthroughs on a surface offering assistance to the seamers. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight in the fourth over, while Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 13 as Bangladesh slipped to 31-2 inside 11 overs.

From there, Bangladesh rebuilt through a substantial third-wicket stand between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and former skipper Mominul Haque. The pair added 170 runs, turning the momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour after the early setbacks.

Shanto led the recovery with 101 off 130 balls, striking 12 fours and two sixes to register his ninth Test hundred. Mominul, meanwhile, played a patient innings of 91 from 200 deliveries, anchoring the innings with measured strokeplay and steady rotation of strike.

Bangladesh moved past the 100-run mark before lunch and maintained control in the afternoon, with Pakistan unable to sustain pressure as conditions became less helpful for the bowlers. Shanto reached his century with a boundary through cover, but Mohammad Abbas ended the partnership soon after by trapping the Bangladesh captain lbw.

Mushfiqur Rahim then joined Mominul and the two added another 75 runs. Noman Ali eventually dismissed Mominul lbw for 91 after a stay of six hours at the crease. At stumps, Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 48, with Litton Das on eight at the other end.

Pakistan’s bowlers had a difficult day overall, conceding 31 extras, including eight no-balls and 16 byes. Shaheen, Abbas, Hasan and Noman took one wicket each.

Shaheen reaches WTC landmark

Shaheen also achieved a notable milestone during the day, becoming the first Pakistan bowler to claim 100 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship. His dismissal of Mahmudul Hasan Joy brought up the landmark.

With that wicket, he also became the 19th bowler overall to reach 100 wickets in the competition since the WTC began.

Among Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the WTC, Shaheen now heads the list with 100 wickets. He is followed by Noman Ali with 89, Sajid Khan with 63, Naseem Shah with 60, Abrar Ahmed with 46, Yasir Shah with 41, Hasan Ali with 35, and Mohammad Abbas with 34.

At one stage during the day, Bangladesh were 244-3 in 63 overs after recovering from 31-2, with Shanto having made 101 and Mominul unbeaten on 80 at that point.