Dhaka, May 8 -- Najmul Hossain Shanto's clinical ninth Test century dominated the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur, setting the foundation for Bangladesh to reach 301-4 at stumps against Pakistan on Friday.

Shanto's 101 anchored a massive 170-run third-wicket stand with Mominul Haque, as the pair effectively neutralised Pakistan's pace-heavy attack throughout a humid afternoon.

The captain reached his milestone by drilling a Mohammad Abbas half-volley through the covers for four, marking his first century against this opponent.

His 130-ball innings, which included 12 boundaries and two sixes, eventually ended just before tea when Abbas trapped him leg-before. While the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, Pakistan s...