Afridi reaches 400-wicket landmark as Bangladesh dominate Dhaka Test

Bangladesh were in control with a lead of 179 runs and seven second-innings wickets remaining against Pakistan at stumps on day four of the opening Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Monday. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their second innings, but Pakistan’s pace attack once again struck early to put the hosts under pressure. Mohammad Abbas removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five, trapped lbw, before Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 10, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2. With the pitch offering some assistance, Pakistan maintained disciplined bowling and kept creating chances. However, rain interrupted play for much of the second session and a large part of the third, limiting action on the field. After the resumption, Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Mominul Haque for a composed 56 shortly after tea. The wicket marked Shaheen’s 400th international dismissal since his debut in 2018. He ended the day with figures of 1 for 39 in 12 overs, while Abbas and Hasan also picked up a wicket each. Despite the pressure, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto held firm once again following his first-innings century. He remained unbeaten on 58 off 105 balls, hitting six boundaries, and shared an unbroken 24-run stand with veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who was not out on 16. Azan Awais joins elite club with debut Test hundred in away series