The opening day of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test in the highly anticipated Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026 belonged to one man: the Bangladeshi skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Leading from the front, Shanto delivered a batting masterclass at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, scoring a blistering century to guide his team out of early trouble and finish Day 1 on a dominant 301/4 at stumps.
Here is a deep dive into the match highlights, scorecard details, and how Najmul Hossain Shanto's aggressive ton shifted the momentum of the game.
When Shan Masood's Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first under the overcast Dhaka sky, their pacers delivered exactly what was asked of them. Spearheaded by the relentless Shaheen Afridi and the accurate
Hasan Ali, the visitors exploited the early morning moisture perfectly.
Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 31-2 within the first 11 overs. Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy (8) and Shadman Islam (13) were sent packing early by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, respectively. At that moment, Pakistan looked entirely in the driver's seat.
BAN vs PAK The Turning Point: Shanto and Mominul's Epic 170-Run Stand
Walking in at 31/2, the pressure was firmly on the shoulders of Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mominul Haque. What followed was a textbook display of resilience and counter-attacking Test cricket.
The duo stitched together a massive 170-run partnership for the third wicket, completely deflating the Pakistani bowling attack.
Najmul Hossain Shanto's Masterclass: Counter-Attacking at Its Best
While Mominul played the sheet anchor role, Shanto decided to take the attack to the opposition. Shanto's 101 off just 130 deliveries wasn't just a captain's knock; it was a statement of intent. Boasting a remarkable strike rate of 77.69 in Test cricket, he didn't just survive the lethal Pakistani pace-he dominated it.
Shanto's Century in Numbers:
Runs: 101
Balls Faced: 130
Fours: 12
Sixes: 2
Strike Rate: 77.69
Shanto was eventually dismissed LBW by the experienced Mohammad Abbas, but the damage was already done. His innings fundamentally altered the trajectory of the first innings, transforming a precarious 31-2 into a comfortable 201-3.
BAN vs PAK 1st Test Scorecard Highlights (Day 1, Stumps)
At the close of play on Day 1, Bangladesh comfortably sits at 301 for 4 in 85 overs.
Mushfiqur Rahim: 48* (104 balls) - The veteran is looking solid, hitting 6 boundaries and eyeing a half-century early on Day 2.
Litton Das: 8* (35 balls) - Safely navigating the final overs of the day alongside Rahim.
What to Expect on Day 2?
Heading into Day 2, Bangladesh holds all the cards. With the experienced pair of Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das at the crease, the hosts will look to pile on the misery and push the total past the 450-run mark. For Pakistan, the morning session will be absolutely crucial. They will desperately need the second new ball to talk if they want to bowl Bangladesh out and stay competitive in the first Test.
