Liton Das Century Powers Bangladesh to 278 Against Pakistan

Pakistan’s top order faltered on the second day of the final Test against Bangladesh, reaching a precarious 96-4 by lunch in Sylhet on Sunday. Resuming their first innings at 21-0, the tourists lost four quick wickets, leaving Babar Azam unbeaten on 37 alongside Salman Agha on 6 to rebuild.

The collapse began early when both openers were dismissed. Azan Awais fell for his overnight score of 13, and Abdullah Fazal was sent back for 9. Captain Shan Masood made 21 before he was removed with the score at 61, and Saud Shakeel followed shortly after for 8, leaving Pakistan struggling at 79-4.

The momentum swing came after Pakistan had dominated the opening day, bowling Bangladesh out for a competitive 278. The hosts’ total was built on a remarkable counter-attacking century from Litton Das, who scored 126 to rescue his team from 116-6.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the most successful bowler in the first innings, finishing with four wickets. He was supported by Mohammad Abbas who claimed three wickets, while Hasan Ali took two and spinner Sajid Khan picked up one.

Trailing 1-0 in the two-match series, Pakistan’s hopes of building a substantial first-innings lead now rest on its middle order to navigate the post-lunch session.

SYLHET: A brilliant counter-attacking century from Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a top-order collapse, guiding the hosts to a first-innings total of 278 against Pakistan on the opening day of the second and final Test on Saturday. In reply, Pakistan’s openers safely navigated the closing overs to reach 21-0 at stumps, with Azan Awais on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan’s decision paid immediate dividends. Mohammad Abbas struck on the second ball of the match to remove Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck. Despite a brief, fluent 26 from debutant Tanzid Hasan, Pakistan’s pacers maintained pressure, with Bangladesh slumping from a steady position to 116-6 shortly after lunch as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (29) and Mushfiqur Rahim (23) fell in quick succession.

Coming to the crease with his side in deep trouble, Litton Das anchored a remarkable recovery. He scored a commanding 126 from just 159 balls, an innings studded with 16 fours and two sixes, for his sixth Test century. Das built crucial lower-order partnerships, adding 60 with Taijul Islam (16) and a vital 64 for the ninth wicket with Shoriful Islam to push Bangladesh to a competitive score.

Pakistan, however, were left to rue missed opportunities that could have ended the innings much earlier. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad admitted that the game’s complexion might have been different had they capitalised on their chances. “Unluckily, we missed a couple of reviews,” Shahzad said, referring to unsuccessful appeals against Mushfiqur and Litton that replays later suggested were out. Trailing 1-0 in the series, Pakistan will look to build a significant first-innings lead on day two.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 in their first innings of the first Test match against Pakistan. Batsman Liton Das anchored the innings with a brilliant century after an early collapse, scoring 136 runs. For Pakistan, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was the most successful, taking four wickets, while Mohammad Wasim claimed three.