Shanto fifty puts Bangladesh in command

The hosts finished the day on 152-3 in their second innings

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck another composed half-century to steer into a commanding position against  on the rain-hit fourth day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Bangladesh finished the day on 152-3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 179 runs with one day remaining in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 at stumps after another calm and disciplined innings under pressure, while veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was alongside him on 16 not out.

The day’s play was heavily disrupted by rain and bad light, with the entire second session washed out before fading light forced an early finish late in the evening. Despite the interruptions, Bangladesh tightened their grip on the Test through another vital partnership between Shanto and experienced left-hander Mominul Haque.

The pair once again frustrated Pakistan’s bowling attack with a composed third-wicket stand of 105 runs after the visitors had made early breakthroughs in the morning session.

Pakistan resumed the day hoping to capitalize on favourable conditions after bowling Bangladesh out for a slender first-innings lead of 27 on day three.

Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas gave Pakistan the perfect start when he dismissed overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali then removed opener Shadman Islam for 10, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2 and briefly shifting momentum towards the tourists.

But Shanto and Mominul responded with maturity and patience, rebuilding the innings carefully while ensuring Pakistan’s pacers were denied sustained pressure.

The duo had already shared a decisive 170-run partnership in Bangladesh’s first innings, and they once again proved central to the hosts’ resistance.

By lunch, Bangladesh had recovered strongly to 93-2, with Shanto unbeaten on 34 and Mominul on 37 after the pair added an unbroken 70 runs.

Rain arrived immediately after the interval and prevented any play throughout the second session, forcing the umpires to take tea during the lengthy delay.

When play finally resumed later in the evening, Bangladesh continued to dictate terms as both batters completed patient half-centuries to strengthen the hosts’ position further.

Pakistan eventually found a breakthrough through left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dismissed Mominul for a hard-fought 56 from 120 deliveries.

Mushfiqur then joined Shanto at the crease, and the experienced pair safely guided Bangladesh through the closing overs without further damage before bad light ended play.