Bangladesh made a confident start to day two of the Dhaka Test against Pakistan, resuming their first innings at 301-4 after dominating much of the opening day.
The hosts returned to the crease with experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 48, while Litton Das was at the other end on 8 as play resumed in Dhaka on Saturday.
Read More: Bangladesh dominate opening day of first Test against Pakistan
Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that initially appeared challenging as Bangladesh’s top order capitalised on batting-friendly conditions to build a strong foundation.
On day one, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to make regular breakthroughs, managing only four wickets across 85 overs. The visitors lacked sustained pressure as Bangladesh batters rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries.
Bangladesh received useful contributions from multiple batters. Mahmudul Hasan was dismissed for 8, while Shadman Islam added 13 before departing. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with an impressive century, scoring 101 runs to anchor the innings.
Senior batter Mominul Haque also played a crucial knock, narrowly missing out on a century after scoring 91. His partnership with Shanto helped Bangladesh take control and frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers for large parts of the day.
For Pakistan, the wickets were shared evenly among the bowling unit. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali each picked up one wicket, but none managed to produce a decisive spell.
Despite the difficult opening day, Pakistan remain hopeful of making an early breakthrough on day two to restrict Bangladesh’s total. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said after stumps on day one that the team was optimistic about taking quick wickets and wrapping up the innings early.
Read More: Bangladesh post 301 against Pakistan
With Bangladesh already past the 300-run mark and still six wickets in hand, the hosts are well placed to post a commanding first-innings total. Pakistan will need disciplined bowling and early success to avoid falling further behind in the contest.