Bangladesh set Pakistan a 268-run target after declaring their second innings at 240-9 on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.
Image: ESPNcricinfo
Resuming at 152-3 overnight, the hosts added 88 runs before declaring, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring 87 and Mominul Haque contributing 56. For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali picked up three wickets each.
In response, Pakistan suffered an early setback, losing opener Imam-ul-Haq cheaply and reaching 6-1 at lunch while chasing the challenging target.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh further strengthened their position, extending their overall lead before bad light and rain interruptions affected play during the final sessions.
The hosts had earlier posted 413 in their first innings, built on key contributions from Mominul Haque, Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. Pakistan replied with 386, trailing by 27 runs despite strong batting performances from debutant Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were effective throughout the match, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam also played key supporting roles.
With one innings remaining, Pakistan face a difficult chase on a wearing pitch as Bangladesh hold a firm grip on the Test.
