Mominul, Shanto steady Tigers after wobbly start on Day 4

Despite the early losses of openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam, Bangladesh had put up a solid 120-run lead at lunch

Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto have once again steadied Bangladesh’s innings after the early losses of the Tigers’ openers.

Mominul (37*) and Shanto (34*) – who had also put up 170 runs for the third wicket in the first innings – fought back once more after disappointing batting performances from openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam on Monday, the 4th day of the Test against Pakistan.

They weathered the early storm and, as the threat of the match pressure and the new ball eased, seemed to find their rhythm.

Mominul was more cautious, playing himself into the innings, while Shanto started putting up the runs as lunch neared.

Runs seemed to flow easily in the final half-hour, which means the Tigers could eye a promising total to come.

At lunch they stood at 93/2, with a 120-run lead.

Mohammad Abbas (1-27) picked up the wicket of Joy when he rapped him on the pads, while Hasan Ali used the wicket’s bounce to dismiss Shadman.

Shanto (101) and Mominul (91) had led Bangladesh to a solid 413 in the first innings, despite the efforts of Abbas (5-92).

Pakistan responded by posting 386, thanks to a ton from opener Azan Awais (103).

But a bowling attack led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5-102) managed to restrict the visitors to a couple of dozen runs shy of the first innings total.