DHAKA: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a superb attacking century to guide Bangladesh national cricket team out of early trouble as the hosts finished the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan strongly placed at 301-4 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Asked to bat in hot and humid conditions after Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss, Bangladesh lost both openers inside the first hour before recovering impressively through a record third-wicket stand.

Najmul, continuing his rich vein of form, made a fluent 101 off 130 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes to delight the home crowd.

Pakistan struck early when Shaheen Shah Afridi had Mahmudul Hasan Joy edging behind for eight after the opener had survived a dropped catch. Shadman Islam then fell for 13, caught in the slips off Hasan Ali, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31-2.

Najmul and the experienced Mominul Haque then steadied the innings with a commanding 170-run partnership for the third wicket — Bangladesh’s highest against Pakistan for that wicket.

The pair combined caution with aggression, frustrating Pakistan’s pace attack on a surface offering little assistance to the bowlers.

Najmul completed his ninth Test century with a stylish cover drive before falling lbw to medium pacer Mohammad Abbas after a disciplined spell. Mominul also looked set for a hundred but was trapped lbw by Noman Ali for 91 shortly before tea.

Mominul later praised his skipper’s innings.

“Shanto’s innings is one of the best I have seen from him,” he said. “He is in outstanding form.

“Even under pressure, he scores hundreds. Today he did it in difficult conditions.”

Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then added further stability, negotiating the second new ball with ease. Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 48 from 104 balls at stumps, while Litton remained not out on eight.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled in energy-sapping humidity and failed to extract much from the pitch. The visitors also conceded 32 extras, including several no-balls and byes, highlighting lapses in discipline and fielding.

Abbas, who finished with 1-51, remained optimistic despite Bangladesh’s strong position.

“I don’t think it was a frustrating day,” he said. “We worked really hard.

“The new ball is in our hands, so we will come tomorrow and try to take early wickets.”

Pakistan opted for a pace-heavy attack, but the lack of bounce and movement tested the bowlers’ patience throughout the day. Shaheen and his fellow pacers will need early breakthroughs on the second morning after Bangladesh’s middle order laid the foundation for a sizeable first-innings total in this crucial ICC World Test Championship fixture.

Pakistan’s immediate task will be to restrict Bangladesh to under 400 before responding strongly with the bat on a pitch expected to aid spin later in the match.

Boosted by Najmul’s heroics and strong home support, Bangladesh will now aim to tighten their grip on the contest after dominating the opening day.

The second day promises another intriguing battle as Pakistan attempt to fight their way back into the match.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH (1st Innings):

Mahmudul Hasan c Rizwan b Shaheen 8

Shadman Islam c Salman b Hasan 13

Mominul Haque lbw b Noman 91

Najmul Hossain lbw b Abbas 101

Mushfiqur Rahim not out 48

Litton Das not out 8

EXTRAS (B-16, LB-8, NB-8) 32

TOTAL (for four wickets, 85 overs) 301

DID NOT BAT: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-18 (Mahmudul), 2-31 (Shadman), 3-201 (Najmul), 4-276 (Mominul)

BOWLING: Shaheen 19-5-67-1, Abbas 22-7-51-1 (2nb), Hasan 18-3-54-1, Salman 6-0-25-0, Noman 20-0-80-1 (6nb)

PAKISTAN: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2026