Bangladesh Captain Shanto Delivers Stellar Performance in Test Against Pakistan Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered one of his most impressive performances in a Test match against Pakistan on the first day of the series, according to teammate Mominul Haque. Shanto scored 101 runs off 130 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes, as he and Mominul formed a crucial 170-run partnership. The innings came after Bangladesh lost both openers for 31 runs, with Pakistan’s seamers exploiting the new ball’s movement and threatening both edges of the bat. Shanto’s innings began under pressure, as the Pakistani bowlers, particularly Mohammad Abbas, used the new ball to generate significant movement. The left-hander countered by standing outside the crease to neutralize the seamers’ effectiveness. His first boundary was an on-drive off Abbas, a tactic he maintained throughout his innings. Shanto eventually brought up his ninth Test century with a powerful drive through the covers off Abbas, showcasing his composure and adaptability. Mominul praised Shanto’s ability to dominate on a challenging pitch, noting that the new ball’s movement posed a significant challenge for batsmen. “The challenge is more when the ball is new,” Mominul said. “Our openers got out off good balls, but while they played out that phase, it helped us. Shanto’s counter-attack put them on the back foot.” He emphasized that Shanto’s innings put pressure on the bowlers, a rare feat on such a wicket. Mominul also highlighted the significance of Shanto’s performance in the context of his recent form. The captain had already scored a century against New Zealand in an ODI earlier in the month, and this Test innings marked his fourth century in four Tests. “He has been in outstanding form,” Mominul said.#pakistan #bangladesh #najmul_hossain_shanto #mominul_haque #test_match
Pakistan's Masood Confident in Bowling as Test Series Against Bangladesh Begins Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed confidence in the team's bowling attack ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur, marking the start of a two-match series. The Green Shirts are set to face the Bengal Tigers in their home conditions after a recent whitewash on home soil by Bangladesh in August 2024. The visitors had previously won the two-match series by 10 wickets and six wickets in Rawalpindi, but the current series presents a new challenge. Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Thursday, Masood emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming series and the unique challenges posed by Bangladesh's home conditions. "We are fully focused on this series and the challenge of playing Bangladesh in their own conditions," he stated. Masood also highlighted the strength of the home side's "quality in all departments," acknowledging the need for Pakistan to adapt to the local environment. The Pakistan squad, which includes experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas, is preparing to test itself against Bangladesh. Masood praised the team's balanced squad, noting their ability to perform in both seam-friendly and spin-friendly conditions. "We have selected a well-balanced squad that can perform in different conditions," he said. "The players have experience of playing in various environments, so we are confident about the options available to us." Masood reiterated the importance of taking 20 wickets in Test cricket as a key to success. "In Test cricket, taking 20 wickets remains the key to success," he added. The captain also stressed the importance of collective performance across batting, bowling, and fielding.#babar_azam #taskin_ahmed #mirpur #shan_masood #najmul_hossain_shanto
