BeNewz
Related Articles
BeNewz Report
MIRPUR: Bangladesh strengthened their position in the first Test against Pakistan after reaching 152 for 3 in their second innings at stumps on Day Four in Dhaka, extending their overall lead to 179 runs.
At the close of play at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 58, while veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim remained not out on 16. The pair added an unbroken 24-run partnership after Bangladesh lost their third wicket late in the day.
Earlier, Mominul Haque played a patient knock of 56 off 120 balls before being dismissed with the score on 128. Bangladesh resumed their second innings after securing a 27-run first-innings lead over Pakistan.
Pakistan had earlier been bowled out for 386 in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413. The visitors relied heavily on their young top order after conceding the deficit.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make regular breakthroughs during the final session. Hasan Ali was the most economical bowler, taking one wicket for 23 runs in 11.3 overs, while spinner Noman Ali remained wicketless despite bowling tightly.
Bangladesh captain Shanto continued his impressive form in the match after scoring a century in the first innings. His composed innings on Day Four helped the hosts tighten their grip on the Test heading into the final day.
Pakistan now face a difficult task on Day Five, with Bangladesh looking to set a challenging fourth-innings target on a pitch that has started assisting spinners and showing uneven bounce.
The two-match Test series marks Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Sylhet on May 16.
