SYLHET – At a time when Bangladesh appeared headed for a batting collapse, Litton Das produced a magnificent century to steer the hosts to a respectable first-innings total on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The classy wicketkeeper-batter stood tall amid the ruins with a brilliant 126 off 159 deliveries, striking 16 fours and two sixes in a counterattacking knock that transformed Bangladesh’s fortunes after they had slumped to 116-6 shortly after lunch. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated large parts of the day, but Litton’s resilience and his valuable partnerships with the lower order enabled Bangladesh to post 278 before being bowled out late in the evening session.
In reply, Pakistan’s young opening pair, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, negotiated six testing overs calmly to close the day on 21-0. Azan remained unbeaten on 13, while Fazal was not out on eight as Pakistan finished the opening day trailing by 257 runs. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends when veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas struck with only the second ball of the innings, removing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy to hand the visitors an ideal start. Bangladesh attempted to rebuild through a cautious 44-run stand between Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque, but Abbas returned to dismiss Tanzid for 26 before Khurram Shahzad cleaned up Mominul for 22. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim then steadied the innings with a composed partnership before Pakistan triggered another collapse after lunch. Abbas removed Shanto for 29, while Khurram Shahzad struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 116-6. With wickets tumbling at the other end, Litton Das took charge of the innings with remarkable composure. He first forged a crucial partnership with Taijul Islam, who contributed a patient 16, before finding another useful ally in Shoriful Islam during a vital lower-order stand. Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Khurram Shahzad, who claimed 4-81. Mohammad Abbas delivered an impressive spell to finish with three wickets, while Hasan Ali picked up two late scalps, including the prized wicket of Litton Das. Spinner Sajid Khan chipped in with one dismissal. Hasan Ali wrapped up the innings in dramatic fashion by removing Litton and last man Nahid Rana in the same over, bringing Bangladesh’s spirited innings to an end.
