By Alam Zeb Safi
DHAKA: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and seasoned campaigner Mominul Haque anchored Bangladesh’s second innings on Monday, braving rain and fading light to build a significant lead over Pakistan on the fourth day of the opening Test.
Bangladesh reached stumps at 152-3, with Shanto batting on 58. The hosts hold an overall lead of 179 with seven wickets in hand, setting the stage for a potentially aggressive final-day declaration.
Resuming the day at seven without loss Bangladesh faced an early test as Pakistan’s seamers found movement in the morning humidity. Mohammad Abbas struck first, trapping Mahmudul Hasan Joy leg-before for five, before Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam (10) to leave the hosts at a precarious 23-2.
However, Shanto and Mominul combined for a resilient 105-run partnership for the third wicket. Mominul, who scored 56, reached the milestone of 5,000 Test runs during his stay before being caught behind off Shaheen Shah Afridi shortly after play resumed following a long weather delay.
A torrential afternoon downpour washed out the entire second session, frustrating both sides as the match headed toward its conclusion. When play finally restarted in the evening, only 19.3 overs were possible before murky skies and deteriorating light forced the umpires to call an early end to the day’s proceedings.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had secured a slender 27-run first-innings lead after dismissing Pakistan for 386. Pakistan’s reply was highlighted by a debut century from Azan Awais (103) while Bangladesh off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed standout figures of 5-102.
With one day remaining, Bangladesh is expected to look for quick runs in the morning session to set a target for the visitors.
Summary at Stumps, Day 4
1st Bangladesh 413 Najmul Hossain Shanto (101), Mominul Haque (91)
1st Pakistan 386 Azan Awais (103), Abdullah Fazal 60, Mohammad Rizwan 59, Agha Salman 58
2nd Bangladesh 152-3 Najmul Hossain Shanto 58*, Mominul Haque 56
Match Status: Bangladesh lead by 179 runs with 7 wickets intact
