Litton Das played a magnificent counter-attacking century to rescue Bangladesh from a dramatic top-order collapse, as the hosts posted 278 in their first innings on Day 1 of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Sylhet on Saturday. Pakistan ended the day at 21 without loss, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8.
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh Recovery
Coming in at number six, Litton Das smashed 126 off 159 balls, hitting 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. Pakistan, already trailing 1-0 in the two-match series following a 104-run defeat in Mirpur, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends.
Pakistan Strike Early
Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck, 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. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran 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 Supports Litton
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. He 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."
Day 1 Stumps: Pakistan 21/0
At stumps on Day 1, Pakistan were 21 for no loss in six overs, trailing by 257 runs. Azan Awais was unbeaten on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8. The match is perfectly poised heading into Day 2.
