Bangladesh post 278 in first innings

After collapsing to 116 for 6, Bangladesh recovered to post a respectable 278 in their first innings against Pakistan, thanks to a brilliant century from Liton Das on the first day of the Sylhet Test on Saturday, May 16.

Winning the toss and batting first, the hosts suffered an early blow. Mahmudul Hasan Joy departed for a duck off the second ball of the innings, caught in the slips off Mohammad Abbas's delivery.

Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mominul Haque then put together a 44-run partnership for the second wicket. However, neither could capitalise on their starts, with Tanzid scoring 26 and Mominul 22.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim attempted some resistance for the fourth wicket, but their efforts were short-lived. Shanto made 29 and Mushfiqur 23. When Mehidy Hasan Miraj was out for just 4, Bangladesh were reeling at 116 for 6.

From there, Liton Das took charge. Holding one end with patience, he also attacked the Pakistani bowlers whenever opportunities arose. He received some support from Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Shariful Islam.

Liton reached his sixth Test century off 135 balls. This was his third Test century against Pakistan. He eventually fell for 110, displaying tremendous patience and responsible batting.

Nahid Rana was the last batsman to be dismissed, three balls after Liton's departure, ending Bangladesh's first innings at 278.

Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas bowled brilliantly for Pakistan, keeping the Bangladeshi batsmen under pressure with their controlled bowling from the start.