The first of two matches Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan started on Friday (November 26) at the ZACS in Chattogram. Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque chose to bat first and his side fared well after a poor start in the first innings. Yasir Ali has made his debut for Bangladesh, and he will play an important role on day two as the host aim for a big first-innings total. Liton Das's maiden Test century was the highlight of the day. Let's take a look at three crucial points from the first day of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021.

Three Major Highlights of the first day of BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021

Mushfiqur Rahim's tenacious batting approach

There is a classic saying that goes: you can't buy experience. A well-equipped player can read the match scenario and adjust his strategy accordingly. That is precisely what Mr dependable Mushfiqur Rahim has done in the first innings. Having lost four wickets for 49 runs in 17 overs, Bangladesh seemed down-and-out when he arrived at the crease. Pakistan were in command at the time, and Bangladesh appeared to be on the verge of being bowled out for less than 100 runs. However, Mushfiqur Rahim did what any seasoned player would do and slowed things down while partnering with Liton Das. They finished the first session with a score of 69/4. 

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Both players started to open their arms in the second session. Liton was a little more aggressive than Mushfiqur. However, having senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim as a partner had helped him bat long on day 1 despite feeling cramped several times. Mushfiqur was constantly seen communicating with Liton, pushing him to bat for a long period of time. Liton may not have reached his maiden Test century if Mushfiq had been out early in his innings. Mushfiqur Rahim has remained unbeaten on 82* and his undefeated state is the best achievement of Bangladesh's campaign on the first day.

Liton Das's First Century in Tests

Liton Das's maiden Test century was a momentous occasion for him. More importantly, this century came at a critical moment in Bangladesh cricket. Liton was the last batter to come to the bat on day one after Najmul Hossain Shanto's departure.

He was cautious at first, but he began to cut loose on the second session. Liton was dropped on 67 and had a chance to run out on 99. Aside from that, reaching the landmark was no trouble for this right-handed batter. Liton Das (113*) must prolong his 204* run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim on day two in order to post a massive total in the first innings.

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Pakistan's Reluctant Approach

Pakistan made a strong start to the match, taking four wickets in 49 runs. Though, they were unable to pick up any more wickets for the rest of the day. Captain Babar Azam should bear some of the blame because he didn't attempt anything different just to break the partnership. Babar chose to bowl with his two main spinners in the second session, Sajid Khan and Nouman Ali, allowing Bangladesh batters to develop a partnership in the middle. Pakistan must show more urgency on day two to break this partnership and take the remaining wickets as soon as possible.

Way Forward

Bangladesh have made a strong start, but the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021 still has four days left. There have been many instances in the past where Bangladesh had a good start but they were bowled out cheaply in the second innings. That is why Bangladesh's most important goal would be to stay composed and bat deep. The host must score more than 400 runs in the first innings in order to put pressure on Pakistan's batters. Bowlers will be able to use more diversity in their delivery if Bangladesh score a big total in the first innings. More importantly, the bowlers will be free of pressure, putting all of the burdens on the Pakistan batters. 

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