Shanto’s unbeaten fifty leaves Bangladesh in control against Pakistan

DHAKA: Bangladesh moved into a strong position against Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto producing another steady half-century in a rain-affected contest.

At stumps, Bangladesh were 152-3 in their second innings, stretching their overall advantage to 179 runs with one day left in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Shanto was unbeaten on 58, while Mushfiqur Rahim was still there on 16 after the pair saw off the closing stages of play.

The day was repeatedly interrupted by weather, with rain and bad light limiting the amount of cricket possible. The entire second session was washed out after rain arrived immediately following lunch, and fading light later brought an early end to play in the evening.

Pakistan strike early before Bangladesh recover

Pakistan began the day looking to build on the momentum gained after dismissing Bangladesh for a first-innings lead of 27 on day three. The visitors made an encouraging start in the morning as Mohammad Abbas removed overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five.

Hasan Ali then added another breakthrough by dismissing opener Shadman Islam for 10, leaving Bangladesh at 23-2 and briefly putting Pakistan in a promising position.

Bangladesh, however, recovered through a composed stand between Shanto and Mominul Haque. The pair rebuilt carefully and denied Pakistan’s attack any sustained control, once again playing a central role for the hosts after their major partnership in the first innings.

By lunch, Bangladesh had advanced to 93-2, with Shanto unbeaten on 34 and Mominul on 37. Their unbroken partnership had added 70 runs by the interval.

Shanto and Mominul frustrate Pakistan again

When play resumed later in the day, both batters continued in the same measured manner and each reached a half-century. Their third-wicket partnership was worth 105 runs and further strengthened Bangladesh’s grip on the match.

Shanto and Mominul had also shared a 170-run stand in Bangladesh’s first innings, underlining their importance in the home side’s resistance across the Test.

Pakistan eventually made the breakthrough through Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dismissed Mominul for 56 after he faced 120 deliveries. Mushfiqur then joined Shanto, and the experienced pair negotiated the remaining overs without further loss.

Bangladesh’s position at the close left them firmly in command heading into the final day, with Shanto once again anchoring the innings through a calm and disciplined effort under pressure.