Litton Das Leads Bangladesh’s Fightback with Defiant 138 Against Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test
Bangladesh’s Litton Das delivered a resilient performance, scoring a remarkable 138, supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 78, as the visitors recovered from a dire situation to post a total of 262 all out on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
In response to Pakistan’s first-innings score of 274, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 26-6, with Khurram Shahzad’s fiery spell threatening to enforce a follow-on. Shahzad’s six-wicket haul (6-90) had the tourists on the ropes, but Das and Miraz staged an impressive recovery, putting together a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Das’s gritty 228-ball innings included 13 fours and four sixes, while Miraz, who earlier took five wickets to help dismiss Pakistan, showcased his all-round abilities with 12 fours and a six.
Pakistan faced a challenging day in the field and were left at 9-2 in their second innings at stumps, holding a slim lead of just 21 runs. Hasan Mahmud made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Abdullah Shafique and bowling night-watchman Shahzad on the last ball of the day.
Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their innings at 10 for no loss but quickly found themselves under intense pressure. Shahzad’s early burst of pace and swing dismantled the top order, removing Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession. Mir Hamza also contributed with two wickets, leaving Bangladesh struggling to avoid the follow-on.
Despite the difficult start, Miraz and Das launched a determined fightback, guiding Bangladesh to 75-6 by lunch and frustrating the Pakistani bowlers. Miraz eventually fell after a valiant effort, but Das continued to defy Pakistan, reaching his fourth Test century with a powerful six off Shahzad. Their resistance ensured Bangladesh remained in the contest, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Test match.
