Pak VS BAN Test: Shanto leads Bangladesh resistance as Day 4 ends early against Pakistan

MIRPUR: Najmul Hossain Shanto produced another composed innings under pressure as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the opening Test against Pakistan, before bad light forced an early end to Day Four at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The hosts finished the day at 152-3 in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to 179 runs with one day remaining in the contest.

Bangladesh captain Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 at stumps, while veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was alongside him on 16, the pair calmly negotiating the final stages before play was called off.

Weather played a major role throughout the day, with persistent rain wiping out the entire second session after Lunch and further interruptions affecting momentum.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their second innings on seven without loss, holding a 34-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386 on Day 3.

However, Pakistan struck early to regain control. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas removed overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five, while Hasan Ali soon dismissed opener Shadman Islam for 10, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 23-2.

With Pakistan pushing hard, Shanto and Mominul Haque once again steadied the innings. The pair, who had already built a crucial 170-run stand in the first innings, showed similar composure and added another vital partnership, frustrating the visitors.

Their 105-run stand for the third wicket helped Bangladesh recover strongly, with both batters reaching well-earned half-centuries. Mominul scored a patient 56 off 120 balls, continuing his fine form.

Pakistan eventually broke through when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Mominul, but not before the batter achieved a significant milestone—becoming only the third Bangladeshi to score 5,000 Test runs.

Shaheen’s strike also marked a personal landmark, as he reached 400 international wickets, becoming the ninth Pakistani bowler to achieve the feat.

After Mominul’s dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim joined Shanto at the crease, and the experienced duo ensured no further damage before bad light brought an early close to proceedings.

Pakistan’s bowling effort saw Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, and Hasan Ali each claim a wicket, but Bangladesh still hold the upper hand heading into the final day.