Litton Das Century Rescues Bangladesh on Day 1 of 2nd Test vs Pakistan
Litton Das produced a moment of individual brilliance on a challenging opening day, scoring a fearless 126 to haul Bangladesh from the brink and end with a competitive 278 all out against Pakistan in the second and final Test at Sylhet.
Top-Order Stumbles Early
Pakistan started strong after winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Muhammad Abbas struck with the second ball of the match, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan for a duck. The early breakthrough set the tone, and Pakistan’s pace attack continued to apply pressure.
Debutant Tanzid Hasan showed promise with 26 runs, including a crisp cover drive, forming a 44-run stand with Mominul Haque. But the partnership was cut short when Tanzid top-edged a short ball from Abbas to gift a return catch. Mominul, coming off strong performances in Dhaka, was bowled by Khurram Shahzad for 22, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 63-3.
Pressure Mounts as Wickets Fall
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, fresh off a century and 87 in the first Test, looked steady before falling to Abbas for 29. Within moments, Shahzad struck twice more—dismissing veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (23) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—to leave Bangladesh in deep trouble at 116-6.
Pakistan’s bowling discipline was evident throughout the day. Kurram Shahzad, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi in the lineup, led the charge with a five-wicket haul. Muhammad Abbas chipped in with 3-45, while Hasan Ali returned from a mid-innings injury to take 2-49, including the vital wicket of Das.
Das Shines Amid Collapse
With the innings hanging by a thread, Litton Das stood tall. Walking in at 116-6, his immediate goal, as he later revealed, was simple: get the team past 200. Partnering with Taijul Islam for a crucial 60-run seventh-wicket stand, Das shifted gears after reaching his fifty off 93 balls.
From there, he accelerated brilliantly, reaching his sixth Test century off just 135 deliveries with a superb backfoot cover punch. His 126 came off 159 balls, laced with 16 boundaries and two sixes—easily the highlight of Bangladesh’s innings.
“When Taijul came in, we were around 116 for 6. My only thought was how to get us to 200,” Das said. “I even messaged the dressing room asking if I should attack or consolidate. The reply was clear—keep scoring. So I did.”
Lucky to Survive?
Das was, however, not entirely faultless. He was dropped on 33 by Sajid Khan, off Hasan Ali’s bowling—a mistake Pakistan couldn’t afford.
“Litton Das was lucky today. Not one, but two chances,” Shahzad admitted. “If those were taken, they might have been all out under 200. The game could’ve been completely different.”
Pakistan’s Quiet End to the Day
Before stumps, Pakistan closed the day at 21 without loss. Azamullah (13*) and Abdullah Shafique (8*) navigated six careful overs, ending the day 257 runs behind.
Babar Azam, back in the lineup after missing the first Test due to a knee injury, will likely open on Day 2 aiming to build a solid foundation.
What’s Next?
Bangladesh’s hopes hinge on their bowlers exploiting any early cracks on a fresh pitch. For Pakistan, capitalizing on their strong start and avoiding further missed chances will be key. With Das’s resistance changing the momentum, Day 2 promises a tightly contested battle.
