Litton Das Century Rescues Bangladesh in Second Test vs Pakistan
Contents
A Rescue Act in Sylhet
The opening day of the second and final Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan proved to be a roller-coaster of emotions for the hosts. After an early collapse threatened to derail their innings, wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das emerged as the savior, delivering a sublime century that provided Bangladesh with a fighting chance at 278 all out.
Early Struggles Against Disciplined Pace
Pakistan, looking to bounce back after a 104-run defeat in the series opener in Dhaka, won the toss and elected to bowl first on a surface that offered immediate assistance to the seamers. Muhammad Abbas struck almost instantly, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan for a duck on just the second ball of the match. While debutant Tanzid Hasan showed glimpses of promise with a crisp 26, the Bangladesh top-order struggled to handle the discipline of the Pakistan pace attack.
Hasan Ali, who had looked dangerous early on, was unfortunately stretchered off the field after an awkward fall in his first over. However, his absence was brief, and he returned to play a pivotal role in the proceedings. With Mominul Haque (22) and Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (29) falling cheaply, Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 63-3, and soon 116-6 as the wickets of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan tumbled.
Litton Das Takes Center Stage
With the team staring down the barrel of a sub-200 total, Litton Das took full responsibility. Partnering with Taijul Islam, Das anchored the innings with a blend of defensive solidity and aggressive stroke play. He reached his fifty off 93 balls, but once he crossed that milestone, he shifted gears emphatically.
Das hammered his way to his sixth Test century off just 135 balls, utilizing his trademark backfoot punches and elegant drives. He finished with a magnificent 126 off 159 deliveries, striking 16 fours and two sixes. Reflecting on his knock, Das noted that his initial target was simply to guide the team to the 200-run mark, but he found the confidence to attack once he settled into his rhythm.
Pakistan’s Response and Missed Opportunities
Pakistan’s bowlers were largely successful in containing the middle order, with Khurram Shahzad leading the attack with impressive figures of 4-81. Muhammad Abbas provided excellent support with 3-45, while Hasan Ali claimed 2-49, including the crucial scalp of Das himself. However, it could have been even better for the tourists had they held onto their chances; Litton Das was notably dropped on 33 by Sajid Khan off his own bowling.
Khurram Shahzad acknowledged the missed opportunities after the day’s play, suggesting that the scoreboard could have looked significantly different had the fielding lapses been avoided. “Litton Das was lucky today. Not one, but two chances were created. If those had been taken, they might have been bowled out under 200,” Shahzad stated.
The Stumps Situation
After being bundled out for 278, Bangladesh’s bowlers had six overs to contend with before the close of play. Pakistan’s opening pair, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, managed to navigate through the brief period unscathed, finishing the day at 21 without loss.
As the match heads into the second day, the momentum rests in a delicate balance. Pakistan trails by 257 runs, with their top order looking to build a substantial response. For Bangladesh, the task is clear: they must pick up early wickets on day two to capitalize on the hard-fought total set by Litton Das. With the return of Babar Azam to the Pakistan lineup, the upcoming sessions promise to be an intense battle of attrition and skill.
Key Match Stats
- Litton Das: 126 runs off 159 balls.
- Khurram Shahzad: 4-81.
- Muhammad Abbas: 3-45.
- Bangladesh total: 278 all out.
- Pakistan stumps: 21/0.
