PAK vs BAN: Litton’s 138 brings Bangladesh back in second Test
Litton Das Shines as Bangladesh Fights Back Against Pakistan
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das scored an impressive 138 runs, leading Bangladesh to a total of 262 in their second innings, chasing Pakistan’s first-innings score of 274 on day three of the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh faced early trouble as pacer Hasan Mahmud took two key wickets, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for 3 and night watchman Khurram Shahzad for a duck. This left Pakistan at 9 for 2, with a slender lead of 21 runs.
Litton Das anchored Bangladesh’s innings after they were reeling at 26 for 6, thanks to effective bowling by Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad. Litton combined with Mehidy Hasan Miraz to form a crucial partnership, putting on 165 runs for the seventh wicket. Later, he added 69 runs for the ninth wicket with Hasan Mahmud.
At the start of day three, Shahzad removed Zakir Hasan for 1, Shadman Islam for 10, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 1 in quick succession. Hamza also contributed by dismissing Mominul Haque for 1 and Mushfiqur Rahim for 3. Shahzad’s successful day continued as he got Shakib Al Hasan out for 2.
In the second session, Litton and Mehidy dominated the play. Litton reached his 18th half-century, and Mehidy scored his eighth. The partnership ended when Shahzad caught and bowled Mehidy for 78 and later dismissed Taskin Ahmed for 1. Shahzad’s six-wicket haul was his best Test performance.
Litton continued to bat resiliently with Mahmud until he was caught by Saim Ayub off Salman Ali Agha’s bowling. Litton’s innings lasted 228 balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes. Agha soon removed Nahid Rana to finish Bangladesh’s innings.
Earlier, Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for 274. Mehidy Hasan Miraz excelled with five wickets, while Taskin Ahmed took three. Pakistan’s top scorers were Shan Masood (57), Saim Ayub (58), and Salman Ali Agha (54). Babar Azam scored 31 runs but hasn’t reached fifty in his last 15 innings.
The first day was lost to rain, but the match has resumed with both teams fighting hard.
