Bangladesh staged a remarkable recovery on the opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Sylhet, reaching 278 in their first innings after a dramatic top-order collapse, thanks largely to a superb century from Litton Das.
The hosts were in deep trouble early in the day as their top order crumbled against disciplined Pakistan bowling. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck off the second ball, edging Mohammad Abbas to the slip cordon. Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim showed early intent with a few crisp boundaries in his 26 off 34 balls but fell attempting an ambitious shot against Abbas.
Mominul Haque added 22 before being bowled by Khurram Shahzad, while a brief resistance from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim offered some stability. However, Bangladesh suffered a collapse after lunch, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. Shanto fell for 29, Mushfiqur was dismissed for 23 following an lbw review decision, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was caught after a mistimed hook shot.
At 116 for six, Bangladesh looked set for a low total before Litton Das took control of the innings from the middle order. Batting with composure and precision, he anchored the recovery with crucial partnerships throughout the lower order.
Litton first built a 60-run stand with Taijul Islam before continuing his resistance with Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam. He brought up his half-century off 93 balls and reached his sixth Test century off 135 deliveries, celebrating with a fluent cover drive followed by a powerful six.
His innings of 14 fours and two sixes off 159 balls carried Bangladesh from collapse to competitiveness, ensuring a respectable total of 278 in 77 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas leading the attack. Shahzad was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 81, while Abbas claimed three for 45.
