MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Bangladesh national cricket team strengthened their position against Pakistan national cricket team on day four of the first Test despite Pakistan claiming two early wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Resuming their second innings at 7-0, Bangladesh reached 93-2 at lunch in 31 overs, extending their overall lead to 120 runs.
Pakistan struck twice in the opening session through Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali. Abbas trapped Mahmudul Hasan Joy lbw for five, while Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 10.
However, Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto rebuilt the innings with an unbeaten partnership. Haque was batting on 37 at lunch, while Shanto remained unbeaten on 34.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 413 in their first innings, led by Shanto’s 101 and Haque’s 91. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim added 71, while Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed made useful lower-order contributions.
For Pakistan, Abbas starred with figures of 5-92, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed three wickets.
Pakistan replied with 386, reducing the deficit to 27 runs. Debutant Azan Awais scored an impressive 103, while Abdullah Fazal, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan all registered half-centuries.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz led Bangladesh’s bowling effort with figures of 5-102.
