The opening day of the first Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur has been defined by a historic batting performance. On Friday, 8 May 2026, Bangladeshi batsmen Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque established a new benchmark for the highest third-wicket partnership for Bangladesh against Pakistan in Test cricket. In doing so, they surpassed a record that had remained untouched for twenty-three years.
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Match Context and Early Breakthroughs
After losing the toss and being invited to bat first by the Pakistani captain, Bangladesh faced an initial period of instability. The opening pair struggled against the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack, and the team found themselves in a precarious position at 31 runs for the loss of two wickets. Both openers were dismissed early, placing the burden of the innings on the middle order.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who entered the match carrying exceptional form from recent limited-overs fixtures, joined the experienced Mominul Haque at the crease. Their objective was to stabilise the innings and navigate the challenging conditions of the Mirpur pitch.
A Record-Breaking Stand
Shanto and Haque exhibited remarkable composure, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers throughout the first and second sessions. The duo combined for a partnership of 170 runs, meticulously constructed over 257 deliveries. This stand became the highest ever for the third wicket for Bangladesh in Test matches against Pakistan.
The previous record of 130 runs was set in 2003 during the Peshawar Test. In that instance, Javed Omar and Mohammad Ashraful joined forces after the loss of the second wicket at 180 runs. During that historic stand, Javed Omar scored 119, while Ashraful contributed 77 runs. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh eventually lost that match by nine wickets. The 2026 Mirpur partnership has now officially eclipsed that long-standing milestone.
Comparative Analysis of Partnership Records
While the achievement of Shanto and Haque is significant within the context of matches against Pakistan, it is worth noting the broader historical landscape of Bangladeshi batting partnerships:
Highest Partnership Against Pakistan (Any Wicket): The absolute record for any wicket against Pakistan remains the 312-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes. This was achieved during the second innings of the 2015 Khulna Test. In that match, Tamim Iqbal scored a double century (206) and Imrul Kayes made 150, allowing Bangladesh to draw the Test despite a first-innings deficit of 296 runs.
Highest Third-Wicket Partnership (All Nations): Shanto and Haque also hold the record for Bangladesh’s highest third-wicket stand against any opponent. In 2021, they amassed 242 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. During that innings, Shanto scored 163 and Mominul contributed 127, leading to a drawn match.
Statistical Summary of the Mirpur Partnership
| Category | Record Details |
| Players | Najmul Hossain Shanto & Mominul Haque |
| Total Runs | 170 |
| Balls Faced | 257 |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
| Previous Record | 130 runs (Javed Omar & Mohammad Ashraful, 2003) |
| Venue | Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur |
This performance underscores the continued evolution of Bangladesh’s middle-order stability. By surpassing the Omar-Ashraful record, Shanto and Haque have not only provided their team with a platform for a competitive first-innings total but have also rewritten the statistical history of the rivalry between these two nations. The match continues, with Bangladesh looking to capitalise on the foundation laid by this record-breaking duo.