Bangladesh tighten grip on Mirpur Test as Pakistan face 179-run deficit heading into day five

Bangladesh extended their lead to 179 runs on day four of the first Test against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday. Bad light ended play early, leaving the hosts on 152-3 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 58 and seven wickets in hand heading into the final day.

What is Bangladesh's lead over Pakistan in the Mirpur Test?

Bangladesh lead Pakistan by 179 runs heading into day five of the first Test in Mirpur. The hosts finished day four on 152-3 in 50.3 overs, with Shanto not out on 58 and Mushfiqur Rahim on 16. Pakistan will need to bat last on a difficult pitch with the deficit continuing to grow.

How did Bangladesh build their lead on day four?

Bangladesh started the day at 7-0, already carrying a 34-run lead, but Pakistan's pace attack struck quickly. Mohammad Abbas removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy leg-before-wicket for five after 26 deliveries, and Hasan Ali then dismissed Shadman Islam for 10, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2.

Mominul Haque and Shanto steadied the innings from that point. The experienced pair batted with patience and rebuilt confidently, taking Bangladesh past 50 before both reached their half-centuries. Their third-wicket partnership added 105 runs and shifted the balance firmly in Bangladesh's favour.

How did rain and bad light affect day four in Mirpur?

Rain washed out the entire second session, with persistent weather halting play for an extended period. The players returned for the final session, with Bangladesh resuming at 93-2 in 31 overs.

Who broke the partnership between Mominul and Shanto?

Pakistan's breakthrough came when Shaheen Afridi dismissed Mominul for 56 off 120 balls, ending a dangerous partnership with the hosts on 128-3. Mominul's innings included four boundaries and helped Bangladesh consolidate their advantage. Pakistan could not take another wicket before bad light stopped play.

Shanto finished the day unbeaten on 58 from 106 balls, hitting six boundaries in a composed knock. Mushfiqur Rahim provided steady support, contributing 16 not out from 31 deliveries with three fours.

How did the first innings of the Mirpur Test play out?

Bangladesh posted 413 in their first innings, with Mominul, Shanto, and Mushfiqur all making key contributions. Abbas was Pakistan's standout performer with figures of 5-92. Pakistan replied with 386, reducing the deficit to 27 runs, with debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal impressing alongside half-centuries from Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 5-102 for Bangladesh.

Pakistan must bat last on a deteriorating Mirpur surface, facing a lead that is unlikely to get any smaller before they face it.