Bangladesh Extend Lead to 179 Runs on Day Four
DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered another calm and crucial innings as Bangladesh tightened their control over the opening Test against Pakistan on a rain-affected fourth day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
According to Beyond Time News, Bangladesh ended Day Four at 152-3 in their second innings, taking their overall lead to 179 runs with one day left in the match.
Shanto remained unbeaten on 58, while experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim stayed firm at the crease on 16 as the pair safely guided the hosts through the final session before bad light forced an early close.
Rain Disrupts Play Throughout the Day
Persistent rain heavily interrupted the day’s action and completely washed out the second session after Lunch.
Despite the delays, Bangladesh continued to frustrate Pakistan once play resumed later in the evening. Shanto and Mominul Haque built a valuable 105-run partnership for the third wicket and both completed impressive half-centuries.
Pakistan finally broke the stand when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Mominul for a patient 56 off 120 deliveries.
After the breakthrough, Mushfiqur Rahim joined his captain and ensured Bangladesh suffered no further setbacks before stumps.
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Pakistan Made Early Inroads
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings at 7 without loss after taking a 34-run lead on Day Three when Pakistan were bowled out for 386.
Pakistan started strongly on Day Four as veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five runs.
Shortly afterward, Hasan Ali dismissed opener Shadman Islam for 10, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2 early in the session.
However, Shanto and Mominul steadied the innings once again with a composed partnership under pressure.
Bangladesh Eye Strong Finish on Final Day
The pair had already shared a crucial 170-run stand in the first innings, and they continued their excellent understanding with another match-defining partnership on Monday.
By Lunch, Bangladesh had recovered to 93-2, with Shanto unbeaten on 34 and Mominul on 37.
According to Beyond Time News, Bangladesh now heads into the final day in a commanding position, while Pakistan will need early wickets to stay alive in the contest.
