Bangladesh resumed their second innings against Pakistan on the fifth and final day of the opening Test in Dhaka, with the hosts firmly in control and eyeing a memorable victory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The Tigers entered the decisive day at 152-3, leading Pakistan by 179 runs after a gritty batting display on Day 4 led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul Haque. Bangladesh’s steady performance has placed Pakistan under intense pressure heading into the final sessions of the match.
Bangladesh suffered an early setback on Tuesday morning when they lost their fourth wicket at 164, giving Pakistan a slight opening in what has otherwise been a difficult Test for the visitors. However, the home side remained focused on extending their lead and pushing Pakistan out of the contest.
Captain Shanto has emerged as the key figure in Bangladesh’s dominance, producing another composed half-century in challenging conditions. His calm leadership and solid batting have anchored the innings and frustrated Pakistan’s bowling attack throughout the match.
Rain interruptions and bad light repeatedly disrupted play during Day 4, but Bangladesh still managed to tighten their grip on the Test. Persistent showers washed out an entire session before fading light forced an early close, denying Pakistan valuable overs late in the day.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali, fought hard to keep their side alive in the contest. Afridi managed to break a crucial partnership by dismissing Mominul Haque, while spinners attempted to exploit the wearing surface on a pitch increasingly favouring slower bowlers.
Despite moments of resistance, Pakistan now face a difficult challenge if Bangladesh continue to build a substantial target. Salman Ali Agha admitted after the fourth day that Pakistan would still attempt to chase a competitive total if given the opportunity, insisting the team remains determined to fight for victory rather than settle for a draw.
The Test has been an intense battle from the beginning. Bangladesh posted a strong first-innings total of 413, powered by disciplined batting performances, before Pakistan responded with 386 to keep the game alive. However, Bangladesh regained control in the second innings with another resilient display from their top order.
The ongoing series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle and carries major significance for both teams as they look to improve their standings in the competition.
Cricket fans in both countries are closely following the dramatic final day, with Bangladesh aiming to secure a major home victory while Pakistan search desperately for breakthroughs to stay in the match. As the Dhaka Test heads toward a thrilling finish, all eyes remain on whether Bangladesh can convert their dominant position into a statement win on home soil.