Bangladesh tighten grip as bad light halts day four against Pakistan

Bangladesh national cricket team strengthened their hold on the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team as bad light forced an early close on day four at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After rain wiped out the entire second session, play resumed post-lunch with Bangladesh continuing from 93-2. The hosts moved to 152-3 in 50.3 overs, extending their overall lead to a commanding 179 runs before fading light brought an end to proceedings.

Pakistan had made early breakthroughs in the day through their pace attack. Mohammad Abbas struck first, trapping Mahmudul Hasan Joy lbw, while Hasan Ali removed Shadman Islam shortly after, leaving Bangladesh under pressure.

However, the experienced duo of Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a composed 105-run partnership. Their disciplined approach shifted momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour as both batters brought up fluent half-centuries.

The stand was eventually broken by Shaheen Afridi, who dismissed Mominul for a well-crafted 56. Despite the breakthrough, Bangladesh remained firmly in control. Shanto stayed unbeaten on 58, while Mushfiqur Rahim provided solid support with an unbeaten 16 at stumps.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted a strong first-innings total of 413, built on major contributions from Mominul, Shanto, and Mushfiqur. A crucial 170-run partnership between Mominul (91) and Shanto (101) laid the foundation, with Mushfiqur adding a valuable 71. Lower-order contributions from Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed further strengthened the total.

For Pakistan, Abbas led the bowling effort with an impressive five-wicket haul, while Shaheen Afridi picked up three scalps.

In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 386, conceding a narrow 27-run deficit despite strong batting performances. Debutant Azan Awais impressed with a brilliant 103, while Abdullah Fazal added 60. Senior players Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan contributed with composed half-centuries.

Bangladesh’s bowling was led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who claimed five wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam picked up two apiece.

With one day remaining and a substantial lead in hand, Bangladesh head into the final day in a dominant position, leaving Pakistan with a challenging task to salvage the Test.