Sports Desk:

Bangladesh national cricket team were firmly in control on the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur, reaching 301-4 against Pakistan national cricket team on Friday, thanks to a commanding century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Shanto’s fluent 101 anchored a crucial 170-run partnership with Mominul Haque, as the pair frustrated Pakistan’s pace attack on a humid opening day.

The skipper brought up his ninth Test hundred with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas, registering his first century against Pakistan.

His 130-ball innings included 12 fours and two sixes before he was dismissed just before tea, edging into his stumps after a successful Pakistan review.

Mominul looked set for a century of his own but fell for 91 after a successful review off spinner Noman Ali, missing out in the nervous nineties.

Despite late wickets, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim held the innings together, remaining unbeaten on 48 and guiding Bangladesh past the 300-run mark. He will resume on day two alongside Litton Das, who is not out on 8.

Pakistan’s bowling unit, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali, each picked up a wicket but struggled to maintain pressure on a well-set Bangladesh top order.

With six wickets in hand and momentum on their side, Bangladesh will look to extend their advantage further on the second day.