Bangladesh continued to build a commanding lead against Pakistan on Day 3 of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with Mushfiqur Rahim pushing the hosts' advantage close to 300 runs. After a dramatic top-order collapse on Day 1, Litton Das's brilliant century rescued Bangladesh, who posted 278 in their first innings. Pakistan ended the first day at 21 without loss, but the home side has since taken control.
Litton Das Leads Recovery
Coming in at number six, Litton Das played a counter-attacking knock of 126 off 159 balls, smashing 16 fours and two sixes for his sixth Test century. His innings came at a crucial time after Bangladesh slumped to 116 for 6 shortly after lunch on Day 1. Pakistan, already trailing 1-0 in the two-match series following their 104-run defeat in Mirpur, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends.
Pakistan's Early Strikes
Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck after edging Mohammad Abbas to second slip off the second ball of the match. Debutant Tanzid Hasan looked promising during his quickfire 26 off 34 balls, hitting three boundaries before attempting an ambitious pull shot against Abbas, who completed the catch off his own bowling. Mominul Haque was then bowled for 22 by Khurram Shahzad. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim tried to stabilise the innings with a 43-run partnership.
Collapse After Lunch
However, Bangladesh lost momentum immediately after lunch, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. Shanto edged Abbas behind for 29, Mushfiqur was trapped lbw for 23, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz fell for four after being caught at deep fine leg, leaving the hosts reeling at 116 for 6.
Lower Order Support
Litton found valuable support from the lower order. He stitched together a patient 60-run partnership with Taijul Islam, who scored 16 off 114 balls. Litton reached his fifty in 93 balls before accelerating rapidly. The right-hander needed only 42 more deliveries to complete his century, bringing it up with a stylish cover drive off Shahzad before dispatching the very next ball for six. Litton then added 38 runs alongside Taskin Ahmed and followed it up with a crucial 64-run ninth-wicket stand with Shoriful Islam off just 73 balls. “The most important thing in this innings is that Taijul, Taskin and Shoriful all batted well and faced a lot of balls,” Litton said.
Pakistan Rue Missed Reviews
Pakistan also missed two crucial review opportunities during Bangladesh's innings. Replays later showed faint edges from Mushfiqur and Litton, but captain Shan Masood chose not to challenge the umpire's decisions. “We were getting wickets early on. Unluckily, we missed a couple of reviews,” said Shahzad. “If we had gotten them out there, the situation would have been completely different.”
As Day 3 progressed, Mushfiqur Rahim, who had earlier been dismissed for 23 in the first innings, was leading the charge in the second innings, pushing Bangladesh's lead close to 300. At the time of writing, Bangladesh were 247 for 5 in their second innings, with Mushfiqur Rahim on 56 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 5. The hosts are looking to set a daunting target for Pakistan to chase in the fourth innings.
