At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Najmul Hossain Shanto once again displayed calm and composure under pressure, helping Bangladesh strengthen their position in the opening Test against Pakistan. However, bad light forced an early conclusion to Day Four on Monday.
Bangladesh ended the day at 152 for 3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 179 runs with just one day left in the match. Shanto remained unbeaten on 58, while the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim supported him with 16 runs as the pair carefully navigated the closing moments before play was suspended.
Weather conditions heavily influenced the day’s play, with persistent rain wiping out the entire second session after lunch and causing further interruptions that disrupted the flow of the game.
Bangladesh had resumed their innings at 7 without loss, holding a modest 34-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386 on Day Three. Pakistan struck early in the innings, with veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas dismissing overnight batsman Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five. Hasan Ali soon followed by removing opener Shadman Islam for 10, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position at 23 for 2.
Despite the early setbacks, Shanto and Mominul Haque steadied the innings once more. The pair, who had already forged a crucial 170-run partnership in the first innings, demonstrated similar resilience and added a vital 105-run stand for the third wicket, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers. Both batsmen reached well-earned half-centuries, with Mominul compiling a patient 56 off 120 deliveries, continuing his impressive form.
Pakistan eventually made a breakthrough when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Mominul. This wicket was notable as Mominul became only the third Bangladeshi player to surpass 5,000 Test runs. For Shaheen, the dismissal marked a personal milestone as he claimed his 400th international wicket, becoming the ninth Pakistani bowler to reach this achievement.
Following Mominul’s departure, Mushfiqur Rahim joined Shanto at the crease. The experienced duo ensured Bangladesh avoided further losses before bad light prematurely ended the day’s play.
Pakistan’s bowling attack saw wickets from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, and Hasan Ali, but Bangladesh maintain the upper hand as the contest moves into the final day.
