Full Breakdown
Bangladesh Takes Command in First Test vs Pakistan
5/9/2026, 10:48:29 PM
Background & Context
The opening match of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle was played at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, with both sides returning after more than five months away; Pakistan’s last series was a 1-1 draw with South Africa, while Bangladesh beat Ireland 2-0 in November.
Key Performers
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made his ninth Test hundred, 101 off 130 balls. Opening partner Mominul Haque added 91 before being lbw. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 48 on day 1 and 71 at lunch on day 2. Litton Das contributed 8 and 33 before being dismissed by Mohammad Abbas. Pakistan’s pace attack featured Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recorded his 100th WTC wicket, the first Pakistani to do so, and Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets for 73 on day 2; left-arm spinner Noman Ali also took a wicket on day 1.
Match Timeline
- Day 1 – Toss, early collapse and partnership: Pakistan won the toss and fielded; early wickets left Bangladesh 31-2, but Shanto and Mominul built a 170-run stand, Shanto reaching 101, and Bangladesh closed at 301-4.
- Day 2 – Abbas’s spell: Mohammad Abbas took three wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 380-7 at lunch; Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 71, while Litton Das fell for 33. No further wickets fell before the break.
Data & Statistics
- Bangladesh: 301-4 (day 1), 380-7 at lunch (day 2).
- Shanto: 101 (130 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes).
- Mominul: 91 (200 balls) – reported as 80 in one source.
- Mushfiqur: 48 (day 1), 71 (day 2).
- Litton Das: 8 (day 1), 33 (day 2).
- Pakistan bowlers: Shaheen Afridi 1 wicket (day 1), 0 (day 2); Abbas 4-73 (day 2); Hasan Ali 1 wicket (day 1); Noman Ali 1 wicket (day 1).
- Extras conceded by Pakistan: 31 (8 no-balls, 16 byes).
- Shaheen Afridi reached 100 WTC wickets, the 19th bowler overall.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Mominul Haque’s score (91 vs 80) and on Shanto’s balls faced (130 vs 129). Mushfiqur Rahim’s lunch tally is given as 71 in one report and 48 in another. Litton Das’s day-1 score appears as 8 in one account and 4 in another. No official statements from the Bangladesh Cricket Board or Pakistan Cricket Board are provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s my fourth 60-plus knock in a row that ended without a century. It might be a mental block, which I should fix,” — Mominul Haque, Bangladesh batsman
- “Shanto has been superb and guided the innings astutely. I think it’s the best knock of him ever I have seen.” — Mominul Haque, Bangladesh batsman
What’s Next
The series moves to Sylhet for the second Test, scheduled to begin on 16 May.
