Litton Das rescues Bangladesh on Day-1

By Alam Zeb Safi
SYLHET, Bangladesh: A magnificent century by wicket-keeper batsman Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a catastrophic collapse, dragging the hosts to a competitive 278 all out on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
At stumps on Saturday, Pakistan’s rookie opening pair negotiated a tense final half-hour to reach 21 without loss from six overs. Debutant Azan Awais was unbeaten on 13 alongside Abdullah Fazal on eight, leaving the visitors trailing by 257 runs heading into Day 2.
Opting to bowl first in overcast conditions, Pakistan’s seam attack reaped immediate rewards. Veteran paceman Mohammad Abbas struck with his second delivery, inducing a loose edge from Mahmudul Hasan Joy (0) that was safely pouched by Salman Ali Agha at second slip.
Despite the early blow, debutant Tanzid Hasan played with intent, hitting a brisk 26 before popping a return catch back to Abbas. Khurram Shahzad then took control of the middle session, clean-bowling Mominul Haque (22) and finding the breakthrough against Najmul Hossain Shanto (29) and Mushfiqur Rahim (23). When Mehidy Hasan Miraz fell cheaply, Bangladesh were staring down the barrel at a precarious 116-6.
With his back against the wall, Litton Das shifted the momentum with dazzling strokeplay, smashing 16 boundaries and two sixes in his 159-ball masterclass. He anchored three crucial lower-order partnerships that frustrated the Pakistani bowling unit.
The wicket-keeper batsman farmed the strike elegantly and completed his sixth Test century and third against Pakistan via a creamy drive through the covers. He was the last man dismissed for 126, holing out off a short delivery to hand Shahzad his fourth wicket. Shahzad finished with 4-81, while Abbas claimed a highly disciplined 3-45.

Bangladesh 1st Innings
Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Salman Agha b Abbas 0 2 0 0 0.00
Tanzid Hasan c & b Abbas 26 34 3 0 76.47
Mominul Haque b Shahzad 22 41 3 0 53.66
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) c Rizwan b Shahzad 29 74 3 0 39.19
Mushfiqur Rahim b Shahzad 23 64 2 0 35.94
Litton Das (wk) c sub (Butt) b Shahzad 126 159 16 2 79.25
Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Rizwan b Abbas 4 6 0 0 66.67
Taijul Islam c Rizwan b Hasan Ali 16 40 2 0 40.00
Taskin Ahmed c Rizwan b Shahzad 7 13 1 0 53.85
Shoriful Islam c Rizwan b Hasan Ali 12 30 2 0 40.00
Nahid Rana not out 0 4 0 0 0.00
Extras (b 4, lb 8, w 4, nb 9) 13
Total All out (77 overs) 278

Pakistan Bowling
Bowler O M R W Econ
Mohammad Abbas 16 3 45 3 2.81
Khurram Shahzad 17 1 81 4 4.76
Hasan Ali 11.5 1 49 2 4.14
Sajid Khan 31 1 96 1 3.10
Salman Ali Agha 1.1 0 1 0 0.86

Pakistan 1st Innings
Batter Dismissal R B 4s 6s SR
Azan Awais batting 13 20 3 0 65.00
Abdullah Fazal batting 8 16 1 0 50.00
Extras (0) 0
Total 0 wickets (6 overs) 21

Bangladesh Bowling
Bowler O M R W Econ
Shoriful Islam 2 1 6 0 3.00
Taskin Ahmed 2 0 8 0 4.00
Nahid Rana 1 0 7 0 7.00
Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1 1 0 0 0.00