Bangladesh set a target of 268 runs for Pakistan in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday, after declaring their second innings at 240-9 on the fourth day of the match.
Resuming from 152-3 overnight, Bangladesh added 88 runs in the final session, losing six wickets before skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto declared the innings. Shanto led from the front with 87, while Mominul Haque contributed 56.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali picked up three wickets each as the visitors restricted the scoring in the second innings.
Chasing a challenging target, Pakistan were reduced to 6-1 by lunch, losing opener Imam-ul-Haq early under pressure from the Bangladesh attack.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh consolidated their position by extending their overall lead to 179 runs before play was interrupted by bad light in the final session. Rain had also washed out the entire second session, reducing available playing time.
Pakistan’s pace attack initially made breakthroughs, with Mohammad Abbas dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 5 and Hasan Ali removing Shadman Islam for 10. However, Bangladesh regained control through a strong partnership between Shanto and Mominul Haque, who added 105 runs for the third wicket and pushed the hosts into a commanding position.
Mominul was eventually dismissed for 56 by Shaheen Shah Afridi, but Bangladesh maintained momentum as Shanto reached his half-century and continued to anchor the innings alongside Mushfiqur Rahim.
Bangladesh were earlier bowled out for 413 in their first innings, recovering from 31-2 through major contributions from Mominul Haque (91), Najmul Hossain Shanto (101), and Mushfiqur Rahim (71). Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas led the bowling with 5-92, while Shaheen Afridi took three wickets.
In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 386, despite strong batting performances from Azan Awais (103), Abdullah Fazal (60), Salman Ali Agha (58), and Mohammad Rizwan (59). Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with the ball for Bangladesh, taking 5-102.
Bangladesh now hold a 1-0 advantage in the contest and are in a strong position heading into the final day, with Pakistan facing a difficult chase on a wearing pitch.