The morning sun shone bright on Rawalpindi as Bangladesh's batters dug in deep, reaching 93-2 at lunch on Day 4 of the first Test against Pakistan. With a lead of 115 runs, the Tigers are roaring—but not without a few early scares.

After resuming at a steady 7-0, Bangladesh's second innings got off to a rocky start. Pacer Mohammad Abbas struck early, trapping Mahmudul Hasan leg-before for just 5. The pressure mounted when Hasan Ali sent Shadman Islam packing for 10, with Saud Shakeel taking a sharp catch at gully after the batter was caught off guard by extra bounce. Suddenly, Bangladesh was wobbling at 23-2 in the 11th over.

Enter the calm heads of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mominul Haque. In a repeat of their first-innings heroics—where they staged a gritty rearguard—the pair added a crucial 70-run partnership for the third wicket. Shanto, who already notched a century in the first innings, looked composed on 34. Mominul, ever the rock, was unbeaten on 37 at the break.

This resilient stand has kept Bangladesh on track to set a challenging target for Pakistan. The hosts, who were bowled out for 386 in their first innings, trail by 27 runs after Bangladesh posted 413—thanks in large part to offspinner Mehidy Hasan's five-wicket haul. With the pitch offering variable bounce and Pakistan's bowlers hungry for more wickets, the afternoon session promises to be a gripping battle of patience and nerve.