Litton Das century rescues Bangladesh from collapse on day one against Pakistan

Litton Das struck a defiant century to rescue Bangladesh from a top-order collapse on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The hosts were bowled out for 278 after recovering from a precarious 116/6, with Pakistan closing on 21 without loss at stumps.

How did Litton Das rescue Bangladesh against Pakistan?

Litton Das hit 126 off 159 balls, including 16 boundaries and two sixes, to pull Bangladesh back from 116/6. He built partnerships of more than 60 runs each with Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam.

How did Pakistan take early control of the innings?

Pakistan struck on the second ball of the match as Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, putting Bangladesh under immediate pressure. Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan then steadied the innings with a cautious 44-run second-wicket stand before Abbas struck again in the 10th over, removing Tanzid for 26.

Mominul also failed to build on his start, departing for 22 when Khurram Shahzad bowled him in the 16th over. Bangladesh's hopes of rebuilding then rested with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who added useful runs and appeared to settle the innings before the interval.

What caused Bangladesh's middle-order collapse before lunch?

Bangladesh lost three wickets in 36 deliveries after lunch to slide to 116/6. Shanto departed for 29, Rahim fell for 23, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was out for just four. The collapse left the hosts in serious danger of folding well short of a competitive total.

How did Litton Das and the lower order change the game?

With the innings in danger, Litton Das launched a counterattacking knock that steadily shifted momentum. He and Taijul Islam built a partnership exceeding 60 runs, and Litton then repeated the feat with Shoriful Islam to give Bangladesh a genuine foothold.

Litton's century, his sixth in Test cricket and third against Pakistan, revived memories of a similarly crucial knock against the same opponents in 2024. His ability to counter under pressure allowed Bangladesh to post a total that gives their bowlers something to work with in Sylhet.

How did Pakistan's bowlers perform on day one?

Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan's bowling attack with four wickets for 81 runs from 17 overs. Mohammad Abbas claimed three wickets, including the key early breakthrough, while Hasan Ali took two and Sajid Khan added one. Pakistan's bowlers maintained pressure through the top order but were unable to prevent Litton's recovery.

Where do Pakistan stand at stumps on day one?

Pakistan reached 21 without loss from six overs at stumps, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8. The visitors trail by 257 runs heading into day two, with their top order intact and the pitch expected to offer more assistance to spin as the match progresses.