Bangladesh finish day one on 301 runs, Shanto hits century

Bangladesh recovered from an early setback to post 301 runs for the loss of four wickets on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto's record ninth Test century and a brilliant knock from Muminul Haque powered the hosts after a shaky start.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first. The decision paid off early as Pakistan's pace attack dismissed both openers within the first 31 runs. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the first to go, caught behind for 8 off Shaheen Shah Afridi, who reached the milestone of 100 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship with the wicket. Sadman Islam followed shortly after for 13.

Shanto and Muminul then steadied the innings with a magnificent 170-run partnership for the third wicket. The Bangladesh captain reached his century with confident strokeplay, scoring 101 runs off 130 deliveries, including 12 fours and 2 sixes. It marked his ninth Test century and his fifth as captain.

Muminul was equally impressive, crafting a fluent 91 runs off 200 balls with 10 boundaries before falling agonisingly close to his century, trapped lbw by Noman Ali.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das ensured no further damage, remaining unbeaten on 48 and 8 runs respectively at stumps.

Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, and Mohammad Abbas took one wicket each for Pakistan.