In a dramatic turnaround on the third day of the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh’s Litton Das delivered a masterclass with the bat, overshadowing Khurram Shahzad’s remarkable six-wicket haul.
This stunning fightback has left the match finely balanced, with Pakistan facing a tricky situation as stumps were drawn on Sunday.
Pakistan initially dominated the early hours, capitalizing on the surface’s moisture to dismantle Bangladesh’s top order. The visitors found themselves reeling at 26 for six within the first nine overs. Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan’s bowling charge, picking up key wickets and creating early havoc.
However, Bangladesh’s resilience was showcased by Litton Das, who, alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, put on a remarkable 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This heroic stand brought Bangladesh back into the game, lifting the score to 191 before Mehidy’s departure.
The tailenders continued to resist, adding 71 valuable runs in just over 26 overs. Despite the early collapse, Bangladesh managed to post a total of 262, trailing Pakistan by only 12 runs, as their innings came to an end 32 minutes before the close of play. Starting the day at 10 without loss, Bangladesh’s fightback has kept them well within reach of leveling the series.
By the end of the day, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at nine for two in their second innings. Hasan Mahmud’s late strikes sent Abdullah Shafique (3) and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad (0) back to the pavilion, leaving Pakistan with a slim lead of just 21 runs and eight wickets in hand.
Litton Das was the standout performer for Bangladesh, battling through cramps to score a magnificent 138. His innings included 13 boundaries and four sixes, making it his fourth Test century.
He was eventually dismissed by Salman Ali Agha, who also claimed the wicket of Nahid Rana shortly after. On the other hand, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s lone specialist spinner, struggled to make an impact, finishing wicketless despite bowling 31 overs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed significantly with both bat and ball. After his five-wicket haul earlier in the match, he scored a crucial 78 runs from 124 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Together with Litton, he helped Bangladesh recover from a dire situation and keep the match alive.
Khurram Shahzad was Pakistan’s star with the ball, taking six wickets for 90 runs, marking the first time since 2010 that a Pakistani fast bowler has taken a six-fer in a home Test series. Mir Hamza also chipped in with two wickets, supporting Khurram’s efforts, though Pakistan will rue a missed chance when Shan Masood dropped a catch off Hasan Mahmud.
As the match heads into the fourth day, both teams have everything to play for, with Pakistan holding a narrow lead and Bangladesh eager to press home their advantage. The final outcome remains uncertain, making for an exciting conclusion to this enthralling Test.
