Najmul Shanto stands tall on rain-hit day as Mirpur Test heads for thrilling finish
BAN vs PAK, 1st Test: Day 4 of the Mirpur Test was hit by rain interruptions, but Najmul Hossain Shanto's unbeaten 58 helped Bangladesh extend their lead to 179 against Pakistan.
Rain interruptions and fading light once again dictated terms on Day 4 of the first Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, but Bangladesh still managed to move into a strong position, stretching their lead to 179 runs after a resilient effort led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Only 48.4 overs were possible across the day as persistent showers forced multiple stoppages before the groundstaff produced an excellent effort to keep the game alive. Rain arrived at crucial intervals and wiped out a large portion of the middle session, leaving both teams frustrated.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
However, whenever conditions improved, the Mirpur groundstaff worked tirelessly to clear wet patches and prepare the outfield quickly, ensuring play resumed without major delays. Their efforts allowed enough cricket to keep the Test finely balanced heading into the final day.
SHANTO STEPS UP FOR BANGLADESH
Bangladesh began cautiously after losing Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam early in their second innings, but Shanto once again stood firm under pressure. The left-hander backed up his century in the first innings with a gutsy half-century. Combining compact defence with timely boundaries, Shanto gradually settled in and frustrated the Pakistan bowlers throughout the day.
He stitched together a crucial 105-run partnership with Mominul Haque, who contributed a valuable 56 before falling to Shaheen Afridi late in the day.
Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 from 105 deliveries at stumps, striking six boundaries during a disciplined knock that further underlined his growing stature as Bangladesh’s batting leader. He looked particularly assured against spin, using his feet well against Noman Ali while also handling the reverse-swing threat posed by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali with confidence.
Mushfiqur Rahim provided calm support at the other end with an unbeaten 16 as Bangladesh closed the day on 152 for three in 50.3 overs, extending their overall lead to 179 runs.
With the pitch expected to deteriorate further on Day 5, Bangladesh will now look to maximise the first session and add as many runs as possible before declaring. A target beyond 250 could place Pakistan under immense pressure on a wearing Mirpur surface, where batting has become increasingly challenging.