DHAKA: Najmul Hossain Shanto stroked his fourth century in eight innings as Bangladesh made Pakistan toil on the opening day of the first cricket Test in Mirpur on Thursday.

When stumps were drawn, Bangladesh had reached 301 for four after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first on a pitch with a green top that offered early assistance for the fast bowlers — something Pakistan’s seamers failed to exploit.

While Shanto fell to Mohammad Abbas after scoring 101, Mominul Haque also batted with authority but was unlucky to miss his 14th century by nine runs when he too was trapped in front by Noman Ali. Shanto and Mominul added 170 runs for the third wicket after Bangladesh had found themselves in some difficulty at 31 for two.

At the close, Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 48 and had added 25 runs for the fifth wicket with Litton Das (8 not out), after sharing a 75-run fourth-wicket stand with Mominul.

While Pakistan’s bowlers showed clear rustiness with the red ball — having played extensive white-ball cricket since their last Test series against South Africa in October — Shanto and Mominul demonstrated excellent technique and patience befitting the longer format.

Shanto brought up his fourth century in eight innings, ninth overall in 40 Tests, before being adjudged lbw to Abbas. His 130-ball innings included 12 fours and two sixes; he had reached his half-century from 71 balls with six fours and a six. Mominul’s 200-ball innings included 10 fours. Mushfiqur had faced 104 balls and struck six fours.

Earlier, Pakistan awarded Test caps to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, while Babar Azam was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.

Scores in brief:

1st Test (day one of five, Toss: Pakistan, Mirpur)

BANGLADESH (1st innings) 301-4, 85 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 101, Mominul Haque 91, Mushfiqur Rahim 48 not out; Mohammad Abbas 1-51, Hasan Ali 1-54, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-67, Noman Ali 1-80) vs PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN – Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Salman Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.