DHAKA: Bangladesh reached 101-2 at lunch on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan on Friday, after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque steadied the innings with a composed partnership.
Shanto was unbeaten on 39 off 50 balls, while Mominul remained on 31 not out as the duo added an unbroken 70-run stand for the third wicket, guiding Bangladesh after a shaky start.
Pakistan opted to field first and made early inroads through fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who generated significant movement to trouble the Bangladesh top order.
Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam struggled against the swinging deliveries. Hasan survived an early chance before being caught behind off Afridi for 8, while Shadman also edged to slip after scoring 13, leaving Bangladesh at 31-2.
Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed returned to the Test side, having last played against West Indies in December 2024.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are fielding two debutants in the match — Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal — while star batter Babar Azam missed out due to a knee injury.
Pakistan previously drew a two-Test series 1-1 against South Africa in October, while Bangladesh arrived after a 2-0 home series win over Ireland in November.
The second and final Test of the series will be played in Sylhet from May 16.
