Najmul Hossain struck his third Test century as Bangladesh dominated a hapless Afghanistan to score 362-5 on the first day of the one-off Test in Dhaka on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Najmul made 146 off 175 balls and set up an imposing total in his 212-run second-wicket partnership with Mahmudul Hasan, who hit 76 to make his third Test fifty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 41 alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 43 when bad light forced stumps with 11 overs left on the opening day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan, who are without talismanic all-rounder Rashid Khan, were on the back foot for most of the day after electing to bowl first on a rare green-top wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Debutant medium pacer Nijat Masood was the most successful Afghan bowler with 2-67, removing Zakir Hasan for one on his very first Test delivery in the second over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The sharp catch from wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai had to be confirmed by the television umpire after an initial decision of not out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Najmul and Mahmudul immediately forged a strong partnership to take control of the proceedings and deny the visitors further momentum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Najmul hit back-to-back fours off Yamin Ahmadzai in the first over he came to bat and brought up his fifty off 58 balls with a boundary off leg-spinner Zahir.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Occasional spinner Rahmat Shah broke their partnership when Mahumdul attempted a cut shot only to edge a catch to Ibrahim Zadran at slip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mahmudul hit nine boundaries in his sedate 137-ball innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan enjoyed a brief spell of success in the post-tea session when Nijat dismissed Mominul Haque, caught behind down the leg side, for 15.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Najmul fell soon after, heaving a catch to Nasir Jamal at deep midwicket off left-arm spinner Amir Hamza in his attempt for his third six in the innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 24-year-old left-hander smashed 23 fours in his sizzling innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stand-in captain Liton Das followed him quickly, poking Zahir to Ibrahim at slip after making nine runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Mushfiqur and Mehidy halted further collapse and slowly reestablished Bangladesh's authority with their unbroken 72-run sixth wicket stand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n