Bangladesh Reach 101-3 in Sylhet

In the opening Test at Sylhet, Pakistan national cricket team won the toss and elected to field first, immediately putting the visiting bowlers in command of conditions under overcast skies. At the close of the first session, Bangladesh national cricket team had reached 101 for 3 in 26 overs, with a rebuilding partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadying an otherwise shaky start.

The match also marked a significant milestone as Tanzid Hasan made his Test debut, becoming Bangladesh’s 109th Test cricketer. The debutant received his Test cap from Mushfiqur Rahim in a brief pre-match ceremony, highlighting a moment of pride for the young batter.

Bangladesh’s innings, however, began in disastrous fashion. On just the second delivery faced, Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck by Mohammad Abbas after an unsuccessful start to his innings. Although an early lbw appeal was turned down, Abbas struck again immediately, inducing an edge to the slip cordon on the following ball.

A brief recovery came through Tanzid Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, who added 44 runs for the second wicket. Tanzid looked composed in his debut knock before falling for 26 off 34 deliveries, attempting an aggressive stroke over mid-on off Abbas, only to be caught comfortably. Tamim Iqbal had earlier looked fluent but could not convert his start.

The middle order suffered another setback when Mominul Haque was bowled by Khurram Shahzad, who had replaced Shaheen Afridi in the side. The delivery nipped back sharply, beating the batter’s defence and crashing into the stumps. Mominul departed for 22 from 41 balls, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 62 for 3.

There was also concern earlier in the innings when Hasan Ali sustained a head injury while attempting a diving catch. He briefly left the field on a stretcher for medical assessment before returning later in the innings after precautionary treatment.

At the crease, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto have since taken charge, stitching together an unbeaten stand worth 38 runs. Mushfiqur has played with his usual composure, while Shanto has provided positive intent as Bangladesh look to stabilise their innings heading into the next session.

First-Session Score Summary

At 101 for 3, Bangladesh remain cautiously positioned, with the outcome of the next session likely to determine whether they can post a competitive first-innings total.