Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Lead Bangladesh’s Resurgence After Khurram Shahzad’s 6-fer
Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Lead Bangladesh’s Resurgence After Khurram Shahzad’s 6-fer: Bangladesh’s Litton Das scored a resilient 138, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 78, leading a remarkable recovery for the visitors as they posted a total of 262 all out on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The fightback came after Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets and leaving Bangladesh in a dire situation.
After Pakistan’s first-innings score of 274, Bangladesh faced a potential follow-on when they were reduced to 26-6 in response, courtesy of some fiery fast bowling from Shahzad and Mir Hamza. However, Das and Miraz combined to stage a dramatic comeback, stitching together a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket to rescue Bangladesh from the brink.
Das displayed superb composure and skill throughout his 228-ball innings, hitting 13 fours and four sixes. Miraz, who earlier showcased his bowling prowess by taking five wickets to dismantle Pakistan, demonstrated his all-round ability with a fine knock, which included 12 fours and a six.
By the end of the day, Pakistan found themselves at 9-2 in their second innings, holding a slender lead of 21 runs. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud made an impact by dismissing opener Abdullah Shafique and bowling night-watchman Shahzad with the last ball of the day, leaving the hosts in a precarious position as they seek to level the two-match series, having lost the first Test by 10 wickets.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings at 10 without loss, having kept Pakistan quiet on Saturday after a rain-affected opening day. However, they quickly found themselves under immense pressure due to Shahzad’s lethal pace and swing. Shahzad (6-90) removed Zakir Hasan early and then dismantled the Bangladesh top order by bowling Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession. Mir Hamza also chipped in with two wickets, leaving Bangladesh reeling.
Shahzad further compounded the tourists’ woes by trapping the experienced Shakib Al Hasan leg before wicket, leaving Bangladesh at 26-6 and still needing 98 runs to avoid the follow-on.
It was then that Das and Miraz began their extraordinary fightback. Steadily building their innings, they guided Bangladesh to 75-6 at lunch and continued to frustrate the Pakistan bowlers. Miraz was eventually dismissed after hooking Shahzad for a six, but not before helping his side avoid the follow-on and reach a respectable total.
Das continued his innings with determination, bringing up his fourth Test century and ensuring that Bangladesh ended their innings with a fighting total. His knock played a vital role in helping Bangladesh stay in the game and giving them a chance to press for a positive result.
As the match heads into its final stages, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s batting lineup, which must regroup quickly if they hope to secure a series-levelling win. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be buoyed by their late resurgence and look to capitalize on any further breakthroughs on the fourth day.
