Najmul Hossain Shanto created history and etched his name in record books after slamming a century on the first day of the series opener against Pakistan at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Friday (May 8). Shanto went past Mushfiqur Rahim to become the Bangladesh captain with the most Test centuries. He has now breached the 100-run mark five times while leading the Test team. Mushfiqur scored 4 centuries as the Test captain. Former Test captain Mominul Haque scored 3 centuries.
Shanto was appointed Bangladesh’s Test captain in 2024. He stepped down as the Test captain in June 2025, but was reinstated in November.
Bangladesh score 301/4 on day 1
Courtesy of Shanto’s century, Bangladesh finished the day with a total of 301/4 on the board. The home team lost the early wickets of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam with only 31 runs on the board.
Shanto and former captain Mominul rescued Bangladesh by adding 170 runs for the third wicket. Mominul scored a crucial 91 off 200 balls. Noman Ali trapped him in front of the stumps.
Shanto continued to bat and scored 101 off 130 balls. Mohammad Abbas dismissed Shanto in the 74th over. Mushfiqur is batting on 48 off 104 balls along with Litton Das (8 off 35). They will aim to breach the 450-run mark before being bowled out.
No Babar Azam in Pakistan’s playing XI
Babar Azam isn’t part of Pakistan’s playing XI for the series opener. The former Pakistan captain is missing the fixture due to a knee injury. “Pakistan batsman Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee. The team’s medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course,” the PCB said in a statement.
Here are playing XIs of both teams
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (Captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas
