Shanto-Mominul lead Bangladesh through first session unbeaten

Bangladesh lost two wickets while scoring 31 runs in the first 10 overs. Pakistan bowlers made full use of the morning moisture on the pitch at the start of the day. However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque steadied the innings after the early setback and brought their side back into the match within the first 30 minutes. The pair ensured no further damage in the opening session and remained unbeaten in a 70-run partnership, taking Bangladesh to 101 for 2 at lunch. Shanto remained unbeaten on 39, while Mominul was not out on 31.

On the first day of a Test match, teams typically aim to exploit early morning conditions, and Pakistan followed that approach. After winning the toss, captain Shan Masood chose to field, a decision his bowlers immediately justified by striking twice inside the first hour.

Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy in the seventh over, while Hasan Ali dismissed Sadman Islam in the 11th over. After those early breakthroughs, however, Pakistan’s bowling pressure eased.

Shanto, widely regarded for his technical ability among Bangladesh batters, played a composed innings as captain in Mirpur. He struck the ball confidently through the middle of the bat and scored 39 not out off 50 balls, including four fours and a six. He also pulled a short-pitched delivery from Salman Ali Agha for a six—the only maximum in his innings so far.

Mominul Haque supported him with experience and control, although he faced several challenging moments early in his innings against Hasan Ali. He was beaten a few times, but edges narrowly missed the fielders and went for boundaries. Mominul remained unbeaten on 31 off 57 balls, also hitting four fours.

Earlier, Bangladesh fielded an unchanged XI. There was anticipation around the Test debut of Tanzid Tamim, but Bangladesh stuck with the opening pair of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Sadman Islam. Joy, after receiving a life, was dismissed for 8 when he edged Shaheen Afridi to the wicketkeeper. Sadman scored 13 off 30 balls before Hasan Ali caught him at second slip.

Pakistan, meanwhile, fielded two debutants in the match—Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, both openers. On the eve of the Test, Babar Azam was ruled out due to a knee injury.