Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck an unbeaten century to steer the hosts to 301 for four on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Dhaka on Friday.
After being asked to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh overcame early setbacks through a crucial partnership between Shanto and Mominul Haque.
Pakistan made an encouraging start as Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad removed the openers in the morning session, reducing Bangladesh to early trouble on a surface offering some assistance to the seamers.
But Shanto and Mominul rebuilt the innings with disciplined batting, frustrating Pakistan's attack during a long partnership that shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh's favour.
Mominul narrowly missed out on a century after falling for 91 late in the day while trying to accelerate the scoring. His composed innings featured fluent strokeplay and helped Bangladesh recover from the early pressure.
Shanto, meanwhile, continued to bat confidently and brought up his century with a single in the final session. The Bangladesh skipper remained unbeaten on 101 at stumps after anchoring the innings throughout the day.
Pakistan's bowlers struggled to create sustained pressure once the pitch flattened out. Abbas was the most economical among the seamers, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Khurram Shahzad picked up a wicket each, but Bangladesh's experienced middle order ensured the hosts finished the day on top.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam had opted to field first after winning the toss, hoping to exploit the morning conditions, but Bangladesh's batters negotiated the early movement before taking control.
At stumps, Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 48 alongside Litton Das on eight, with Bangladesh well placed to push for a substantial first-innings total on day two.
