BAN vs PAK Highlights, 1st Test Day 4: Stumps - Bangladesh lead by 179 runs

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, OUT! LBW! A much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan. Hard length, on middle and leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy stays back and looks to flick it but misses it completely as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Mahmudul Hasan Joy has a chat with Shadman Islam and decides to send it upstairs. Ultra Edge shows a flat line and Ball Tracking shows that the bails were clipping. The umpires call stands OUT. Bangladesh save the review but they lose the batter. 

Shaheen Afridi to Shadman Islam, Slower one, outside off, Shadman Islam leaves it alone.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Back of a length, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Slightly shorter, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy tucks it to mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Back of a length, outside off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy leaves it alone.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Beaten again! Hard length and it keeps a tad low, just outside off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy tries to block it but misses again.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Swing and a miss! Short and wide, Mahmudul Hasan Joy looks to play at it but misses.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, A mix up but luckily, Mahmudul Hasan Joy is safe. Hard length, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy works it to mid-wicket and calls for two. Shadman Islam denies for a second run. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was halfway through but the fielder throws the ball at the wrong end. Mahmudul Hasan Joy makes it back safely.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Goes full again, on off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy blocks it to mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Slightly shorter this time, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy tucks it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Keeps it bowling full, on off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy pushes it to the mid off fielder.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Too full, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Much fuller, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Back of a length, on off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy punches it to cover. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop. Keeps it to a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Much fuller, outside off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy drives it to the fielder at cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Hard length, on leg, Mahmudul Hasan Joy blocks it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Shadman Islam, A tad fuller, on off, Shadman Islam taps it with soft hands towards point. They scamper across for a single. 

Shaheen Afridi to Shadman Islam, That's better. Nice and targeting the stumps, Shadman Islam eases it to the mid off fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Shadman Islam, FOUR! First boundary of the day! Short and wide, Shadman Islam latches onto it and slaps it through backward point for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to bowl from the other end.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mohammad Abbas starts with a length ball, on off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy blocks it solidly towards mid on.

We are all set for the action to begin on Day 4. The Bangladesh openers, Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, have walked out in the middle to resume their innings. It will be Mohammad Abbas to bowl the remaining delivery of his ongoing over. 

We are moments away from the start as the players emerge from the dressing room, descending the stairs while match officials gather on the other side of the boundary. The opening hour will once again be crucial. With limited sunshine and moisture trapped in the surface following yesterday's rain, the pitch is expected to offer significant early assistance to the bowlers.

Weather on Day 4 - Much like the previous day's play, Day 4 is expected to endure sweltering conditions, with daytime temperatures climbing to around 34 degrees amidst a breezy spell. While the morning is set to begin with clear skies, the play is likely to face interruptions from sudden scattered thunderstorms or heavy rain showers, particularly as the match moves into the afternoon and evening. This combination of extreme heat and the threat of late-day rain will likely play a significant role in the game's momentum.

Will Saud and Salman Agha bowl? We have seen the pitch give a lot of assistance to Mehidy Hasan Miraz on Day 3 in particular and the deck is expected to only get worse with the cracks opening more and more as the game goes on. Pakistan have their own spin-bowling options in Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel along with Noman Ali. Shan Masood will have to take the brave call of throwing in a matchup as the Bangladeshi batters start to motor along, if they do. 

Highest chase in Mirpur - The record for the highest successful fourth-innings run chase at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium belongs to England, who chased down 209 runs against Bangladesh in March 2010. Demonstrating remarkable dominance, the English side reached the target with clinical efficiency, finishing at 209/1 in just 44 overs to secure a nine-wicket victory. This 2010 performance remains the benchmark for successful run chases in the spin-friendly conditions of Mirpur. Pakistan would be hoping that their pace batter clicks at the start of this session which could put the home side on the back foot.

PITCH REPORT ON DAY 4 - Ramiz Raja describes the first Test match as intriguingly poised with all three outcomes possible, noting that the surface has evolved into an unforgiving track despite its initial green patches. Raza observes that the pitch truly showed its colors late on Day 3, as the ball began to jump and off-spinners found significant turn and sharp bounce. Moving into Day 4, Ramiz anticipates a tough outing for batters, advising them to stay committed to the front foot and use common sense to avoid over-anticipating variations, which he expects to remain lower as the game progresses

Word from the Bangladesh camp - Mehidy Hasan Miraz is up for a chat. Miraz expresses strong confidence in his performance, believing that consistent accuracy on the current pitch is the key to being rewarded. Miraz says that the entire bowling unit is following Shaqlain Mustaq's advice to hit the right areas to maintain dominance. Miraz credits Taskin Ahmed for breaking a crucial partnership and opening the door for Bangladesh to claw back into the contest, emphasizing that a strong batting performance in the next phase will keep them firmly in the game.

Word from the Pakistan camp - Azan Awais, centurion on debut, is up for a chat. Despite taking a blow to the head from Nahid Rana, Azan mentions that he used the moment to fuel his determination, drawing on his first-class experience to prove his worth on the world stage. Awais says that he remains focused on the game plan, aiming to restrict Bangladesh quickly in their second innings to secure a dominant position. Azan concludes by saying that this achievement holds significant weight for his family, especially his mother, as it serves as a triumphant return following a difficult year sidelined by injury.

England edge New Zealand in the opener - In other news, in a nail-biting start to their three-match series, England Women secured a tense one-wicket victory over New Zealand Women at Chester-le-Street on May 10. After electing to bowl, England restricted the White Ferns to 210 all out, despite a century partnership between Maddy Green who scored 88 and Amelia Kerr who played a good hand of 55. England’s chase was bolstered by a half-century from Maia Bouchier who scored crucial 59 runs, but a middle-order collapse left the match hanging in the balance. Stand-in captain Charlie Dean played a match-winning role, scoring an unbeaten 31 and guiding teenage debutant Tilly Corteen-Coleman through the final overs to reach the target with just 10 balls and one wicket remaining. Dean's leadership and composure earned her the Player of the Match award in what was described as a pulse-quickening series opener.

Tactical tug-of-war - Bangladesh aims to bat deep into the afternoon, stretching their 34-run lead into a daunting total that would allow them to dictate the terms of the fourth innings. On the other hand, Pakistan is fighting to keep the target within the realm of possibility, knowing that a quick flurry of wickets could put them back in the driver's seat. It is a battle of nerves as much as skill, where the humidity, the vocal crowd, and the weight of national expectations converge. Whether the hosts can extend their dominance or the visitors can mount a spirited comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next few hours will be a definitive chapter in this gripping Test match.

A pitch in transition - The surface itself has become a character in this unfolding drama, showing the tell-tale signs of wear that make Day 4 even more interesting. Cracks that were mere whispers on the first afternoon have now widened, offering the spinners a canvas upon which to paint their masterpieces of deception. The bounce has become slightly more erratic, sometimes staying low to challenge the batter’s footwork and other times jumping unexpectedly to test their reflexes. Bangladesh’s batters must read these subtle shifts with expert eyes, knowing that a single lapse in concentration could lead to their undoing. Meanwhile, the bowlers will be licking their lips at the prospect of the ball gripping and turning, utilizing the rough patches created by three days of heavy traffic to generate the kind of wicket-taking opportunities that change the complexion of a series.

Pakistan’s quest for the breakthrough - Pakistan knows all too well that the game is teetering on a knife-edge and that the first session of the penultimate day often dictates the final result of a Test match. The visitors' pace attack will be looking to extract any remaining life from the deck, searching for that elusive movement off the seam or a sudden puff of dust to unsettle the settled. Pakistan’s primary objective is clear, to dismantle the resistance early, restrict the lead to a manageable figure, and claw their way back into a contest that slipped toward the hosts during a dominant Day 3 performance.

Morning resilience at the crease - Hello and welcome to the fans tuning in. As Day 4 commences, the air is thick with anticipation, flavored by the residual energy of yesterday’s grueling sessions. Bangladesh returns to the middle with the psychological cushion of a 34-run lead, a hard-earned advantage carved out through disciplined bowling and an unwavering refusal to buckle under pressure. The home side hopes would be pinned on the opening batters to navigate the tricky first hour when the moisture in the surface often aids the seamers. For the hosts, this session isn't just about survival, it is about constructing a fortress, one brick at a time, ensuring that every run added to the tally further complicates Pakistan's eventual pursuit.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Bangladesh holds a slight edge - In a brief but tense final exchange, Bangladesh’s openers navigated a tricky period to reach 7 for no loss before the fading light forced an early end to proceedings. With just one delivery remaining in the second over, the umpires consulted their meters and deemed the visibility insufficient to continue, bringing a premature close to an action-packed Day 3. Bangladesh returns to the dressing room with a slim but significant 34-run lead, having successfully weathered the initial Pakistani new-ball burst. We will return tomorrow on 11th May 2026, at 3.45 am GMT (15 minutes before the scheduled start) to see if the home side can extend their advantage on what promises to be a decisive Day 4. Cheers for now. 

Miraz claims five - The final act of the innings belonged entirely to Bangladesh’s spin wizard, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Following Rizwan's exit, the Pakistani tail failed to provide any significant resistance, and the team was bundled out for 386, falling just 27 runs short of Bangladesh's total. Miraz finished with a masterful five-wicket haul, while Taskin and Taijul Islam provided excellent support with two wickets each. Although Nahid Rana was somewhat expensive, his single breakthrough contributed to a collective effort that has left the match perfectly poised.

Resilience and a reprieve - The afternoon session saw a vital recovery led by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. The pair batted with intent to negate the spin threat, each racing to valuable half-centuries to inch Pakistan closer to the first innings total set by Bangladesh. A major turning point occurred when Salman was caught off Taskin Ahmed, only to be recalled to the crease as the bowler had overstepped for a No Ball. This partnership steadied the ship until the stroke of an early Tea, which was taken due to approaching rain, but Rizwan's dismissal just before the break proved to be a critical blow.

The morning momentum shift - The tide turned abruptly in the first session when the marathon stand was finally broken. Once Azan fell to the pace of Taskin Ahmed, the Pakistani middle order, featuring captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel, suffered a shocking collapse. In a frantic period of play, Pakistan slumped from a comfortable 210 for 1 to a precarious 230 for 5. Bangladesh's bowlers, led by a revitalised Taskin Ahmed and the crafty Mehidy Hasan Miraz, found sudden rhythm, leaving the home side reeling after a dominant start.

A historic start for the debutants - Pakistan entered the third day in a position of supreme confidence, resuming at 179 for 1 with their sights firmly set on surpassing Bangladesh's first-innings total of 413. The morning session was a celebration of new talent as the debutants continued their clinic, Azan Awais reached a historic century, becoming one of the few Pakistanis to do so on Test debut. Alongside him, Abdullah Fazal showcased maturity beyond his years, reaching a composed half-century to keep the hosts in pole position as they pushed toward a commanding lead.

STUMPS ON DAY 3! Session 1 - 25 overs were bowled, where 72 runs were scored for the loss of 4 wickets. Session 2 - 18.4 overs were bowled, where 98 runs were scored for the loss of 1 wicket. Session 3 - 12.4 overs were bowled, where 44 runs were scored for the loss of 4 wickets.

BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY! The umpires have brought out the light meter as the fading visibility begins to pose a safety concern for the players. With the readings being checked and the sky darkening over the stadium, it appears increasingly likely that the day's play will be called to a premature close. Both teams are now awaiting the official word, as any further action looks doubtful under these deteriorating conditions. Pakistan skipper, Shan Masood, is having an animated chat with the umpire but they have decided to take the players off for the moment. 

Game stopped due to : Bad Light

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Back of a length, on off, Mahmudul Hasan Joy gets right behind the line and blocks it out. 

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Hard length, around off, shaping away from the batter. Mahmudul Hasan Joy leaves it all alone. 

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Fuller, around off, Joy pushes it to cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Good-length delivery, on off, Joy blocks it out.

Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.

Mohammad Abbas to Shadman Islam, Hard length, on leg, Shadman Islam looks to flick it but misses and wears on the pad, before it rolls toward fine leg. Leg bye taken!

Shaheen Afridi to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, FOUR LEG BYES! Good-length delivery, down the leg side. Mahmudul Hasan Joy looks to flick at it but gets beaten on. However, it hits the thigh pad of the batter and beats the left of Mohammad Rizwan, who dives but fails to glove the ball. It races away to the deep fine leg fence for four runs.