BAN vs PAK Day 5: Shanto Keeps Bangladesh Ahead in Dhaka Test
Bangladesh remained in control at the end of Day 4 in the 1st Test against Pakistan after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played another crucial innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
At stumps, Bangladesh reached 152/3 in their second innings and extended their lead to 179 runs after Pakistan were bowled out for 386 earlier in the match. With one full day remaining, the Test is now moving toward an exciting finish between the two Asian rivals.
Najmul Hossain Shanto Leads from the Front
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto once again delivered under pressure and remained unbeaten on 58 runs from 105 balls. His calm batting and leadership helped Bangladesh recover after early wickets in the second innings.
Shanto built important partnerships and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure during the final sessions of Day 4. The Bangladesh skipper now looks set to play a major role on Day 5 as the hosts aim to build a match-winning lead.
Experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim also stayed unbeaten on 16 and will continue alongside Shanto on the final day.
Pakistan Bowlers Keep Match Alive
Pakistan bowlers fought hard throughout the day and managed to pick up three wickets to keep the contest competitive heading into Day 5.
Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Mominul Haque after the batter scored an important 56 runs, while Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali also claimed key wickets for Pakistan.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood will now hope his bowling attack can quickly wrap up Bangladesh’s innings on Day 5 and give the visitors a realistic chase in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Looking for Strong Finish
Bangladesh started the second innings carefully after taking a first-innings lead of 27 runs. Despite losing three wickets, the hosts managed to increase the lead steadily and avoided a collapse against Pakistan’s experienced bowling attack.
The Dhaka pitch is expected to become more difficult for batting on the final day, especially with uneven bounce and spin likely to play a major role.
Bangladesh will likely target a lead above 250 runs before declaring the innings.
Day 5 Set for Exciting Finish
The 1st Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan is now perfectly set up for a dramatic Day 5 battle. Bangladesh currently hold the advantage, but Pakistan still have a chance if their bowlers produce early breakthroughs.
Cricket fans are expecting an intense final day as both teams continue fighting for victory in the opening Test of the series.
Match Summary
Bangladesh 1st Innings
- 413 all out
Pakistan 1st Innings
- 386 all out
Bangladesh 2nd Innings
- 152/3
Bangladesh Lead
- 179 runs
Key Performers
Bangladesh Batting
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 58*
- Mominul Haque – 56
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 16*
Pakistan Bowling
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – 1 wicket
- Mohammad Abbas – 1 wicket
- Hasan Ali – 1 wicket
