Shanto’s Brilliant Century Puts Bangladesh in Command Against Pakistan in Dhaka Test

DHAKA: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto produced a magnificent attacking century to lead Bangladesh national cricket team to a dominant position against Pakistan national cricket team on the opening day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field in hot and humid conditions, Bangladesh recovered superbly from an early collapse to finish the day strongly placed at 301-4.

Pakistan made a promising start with Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight after the opener had survived an early dropped catch.

Soon after, Hasan Ali removed Shadman Islam for 13, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31-2 inside the first hour.

However, Shanto and experienced batter Mominul Haque completely shifted the momentum with a record-breaking 170-run third-wicket partnership — Bangladesh’s highest third-wicket stand against Pakistan in Test cricket.

The pair mixed patience with controlled aggression, frustrating Pakistan’s pace-heavy attack on a flat surface offering little assistance to bowlers.

Shanto continued his outstanding form by scoring a fluent 101 off just 130 deliveries, smashing 12 boundaries and two sixes in a commanding innings that thrilled the home crowd.

The Bangladesh skipper reached his ninth Test century in style with a classy cover drive before eventually being trapped lbw by Mohammad Abbas after a disciplined spell.

Mominul also looked set for a century but narrowly missed out after scoring an impressive 91 before spinner Noman Ali dismissed him lbw shortly before tea.

After the match, Mominul praised his captain’s outstanding innings.

“Shanto’s innings is one of the best I have seen from him,” he said. “Even under pressure, he scores hundreds. Today he did it in difficult conditions.”

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das then ensured Bangladesh ended the day firmly in control.

Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 48 from 104 balls at stumps, while Litton Das was not out on eight as the pair comfortably negotiated the second new ball.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled badly in exhausting humidity and failed to generate consistent movement or bounce from the pitch.

The visitors also conceded 32 extras, including several no-balls and byes, reflecting poor discipline and sloppy execution in the field.

Mohammad Abbas, who finished with figures of 1-51, remained optimistic despite Bangladesh’s dominance.

“I don’t think it was a frustrating day,” Abbas said. “We worked really hard. The new ball is in our hands, so we will come tomorrow and try to take early wickets.”

Pakistan had gone with a pace-oriented bowling attack, but the conditions tested the patience and endurance of their fast bowlers throughout the day.

Shaheen Afridi and company will now need early breakthroughs on the second morning to prevent Bangladesh from building a massive first-innings total in this important ICC World Test Championship fixture.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will aim to extend their advantage beyond 400 and tighten their grip on the match after a dominant opening-day performance inspired by their captain.