Litton Das played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s fightback during the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. With a resilient century, Das led Bangladesh from a precarious position of 26-6 to a total of 262 all out on Sunday. His remarkable innings of 138, which spanned 333 minutes, included a crucial 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed 78.
The match took a dramatic turn as Das’s efforts turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor. At the close of the third day, Bangladesh’s bowlers had Pakistan struggling at 9-2. Hasan Mahmud played a key role in dismissing Pakistan’s openers: Abdullah Shafique for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad without scoring.
Das’s innings was a standout performance, especially as he came in when Bangladesh was in dire straits at 26-5. His innings featured 13 boundaries and four sixes. He added an important 69 runs with tail-ender Mahmud (13 not out) in a record-equalling ninth-wicket partnership against Pakistan, frustrating the home team. Das’s knock included a crucial late cut to reach his fourth Test century, despite being dropped on 90 by spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers had put their team in a strong position. Pacer Shahzad delivered a career-best performance with figures of 6-90, supported by Mir Hamza’s 2-50. They restricted Bangladesh effectively during the morning session but struggled as the pitch eased out in the later stages of the match. Shahzad, who had earlier taken 4-15 in his first spell, dismissed Mehidy with a caught and bowled just before tea.
Das and Mehidy’s partnership was historic, being the first in Test history to add 150 or more runs for the seventh wicket or lower from a team total under 50 runs. Mehidy, who took 5-61 in the previous innings, reached 50 for the eighth time in Tests with his innings.
Bangladesh resumed their innings at 10-0, but Shahzad quickly dismantled their top order, dismissing Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Hamza also contributed by removing Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim. Shahzad’s earlier best figures were 3-45 against Australia at Perth last year.
The second Test remains tightly contested, with Bangladesh’s resurgence making the match’s outcome uncertain.
