Pakistan reached 251 for 5 at lunch on day three of the first Test, still 162 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413 all out. The hosts were bowled out just before the break, with spinner Mohammad Abbas claiming a five-wicket haul.
Bangladesh’s first innings was built around a fluent century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 101 off 130 balls, and a gritty 91 from Mominul Haque. Mushfiqur Rahim added 71, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a quick 28. Abbas finished with 5 for 92, while Shaheen Afridi took 3 for 113.
In reply, Pakistan lost early wickets but were steady. Opener Azan Awais struck a battling 103 off 165 balls, his maiden Test century, before being dismissed by Taskin Ahmed. Imam-ul-Haq made 45, and Abdullah Fazal 60, but three wickets from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3 for 42) left the visitors in trouble. At lunch, Agha Salman was unbeaten on 12 and Mohammad Rizwan on 8, with five wickets remaining.
The match continues on day four, with Pakistan needing to close the gap and push for a competitive total.
