Interruption rain and fading light again dictated the conditions 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 sustained effort led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Only 48.4 overs were possible on the day as persistent showers forced several stoppages as the ground staff struggled to keep the game alive. Rain arrived at crucial intervals and ruined much of the middle section, leaving both teams frustrated.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
However, whenever the conditions improved, Mirpur’s ground staff worked tirelessly to remove wet spots and quickly prepare the outfield, ensuring play resumed without much delay. Their efforts allowed for enough cricket to keep the Test tied until the final day.
SHANTO GOES TO BANGLADESH
Bangladesh got off to a cautious start 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 defense with timely boundaries, Shanto gradually settled in and frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers throughout the day.
He put together a crucial 105-run partnership with Mominul Haque, who contributed a valuable 56, before falling late on the day to Shaheen Afridi.
Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 off 105 deliveries at the stumps, smashing six boundaries during a disciplined knock that further underlined his growing status as Bangladesh’s batting leader. He looked particularly confident against spin, using his feet well against Noman Ali while 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 total lead to 179 runs.
With the pitch set to deteriorate further on Day 5, Bangladesh will now look to maximize the first session and add as many runs as possible before declaring. A target of over 250 could put Pakistan under huge pressure on a worn Mirpur surface where batting is becoming increasingly difficult.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
11 May 2026 17:56 IST
