Nazmul Hossain Shanto's third Test century led Tigers to a dominating position as they finished day one on 362 runs for the loss of five wickets against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match in Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Wednesday.
Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi elected to bowl on a relatively greenish pitch as Bangladesh named three pacers - Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain - in the playing XI considering the nature of the wicket.
Afghanistan initiated an early breakthrough through one of their debutant pacers Nijat Masood who picked up a wicket in his very first ball in Test cricket as opener Zakir Hasan departed in the second over with just six runs on the board.
The initial call was not out from the umpire but after Afghanistan's review TV replay showed a faint edge and slight spike in ultra edge which sparked celebration in the visiting camp.
But other opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and No 3 Shanto handled the new ball and first hour well with solid batting.
Afghan bowlers failed to maintain the pressure after taking the early wicket and could not justify their decision to bowl first.
The tourists bowled quite ordinarily and gave away loose balls in almost every over.
Shanto and Joy was batting confidently before the lunch break and runs came at a good rate also.
The southpaw soon posted his third Test ton after lunch while Joy registered his second fifty.
But Joy got out after scoring 76 off 137 balls with nine boundaries against part-time leg-spinner Rahmat Shah.
Shanto got a life when he was bowled off a no ball while he was on 143 but eventually he was dismissed after scoring 146 off 175 deliveries.
Shanto's brilliant innings was composed with 23 fours and a couple of sixes.
Prior to and after Shanto's departure, Afghanistan bagged two wickets and tried to put some pressure on Bangladesh as Mominul Haque and Liton Das scored 15 and nine respectively before getting out.
But the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan Miraz formed an unbroken 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket to halt the slide.
The home side finished the day on a comfort zone with 362 runs on the scoreboard after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.
Mushfiq was unbeaten on 41 while Miraz was batting on 43 at close on day one where 79 overs were bowled.
Young Afghanistan bowling attack showed their inexperience throughout the day with plenty of loose deliveries and a bit of sloppy fielding also helped Bangladesh to get past the 350-mark at more than 4.5 runs per over.
The Tigers are aiming for a big partnership from Mushfiq-Miraz Thursday while Afghanistan will be eager to capitalize help from the pitch on day two's first hour in order to restrict the opposition around 400.
