Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Litton Das delivered a stunning performance in the second Test against Pakistan, rescuing his team when they were in dire straits at 26/6. He scored an impressive 138 runs off 228 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and 4 sixes, helping Bangladesh recover to a total of 262 alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a vital 78 runs. Litton’s match-winning effort earned him the Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on his innings, Litton said, “Just believed in myself. Pakistan bowled well in that spell, but me and Hasan Miraz wanted to just bat long. He hit a four and a six, and then the momentum shifted.” The duo forged a crucial partnership of 175 runs, which laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s victory.
“When Hasan came, I didn’t have many scoring opportunities, so I took time and wanted to play as many overs as possible. Credit to Hasan as well for batting really well. I like keeping in Tests; that is my role, and when I do well behind the wicket, the team does well too,” he added.
Litton also acknowledged the team’s hard work leading up to the series, stating, “When we came here, things back home weren’t up to the mark, but we came here and practiced hard. It is all about team effort; credit to all and the coaching staff. Not easy playing in this kind of heat.”
Bangladesh’s performance over the two-week series was dominant, culminating in a 2-0 sweep against Pakistan despite a rain-affected start to the second Test. The first Test saw Bangladesh secure a historic 10-wicket victory, marking their maiden Test win over Pakistan. This series win is also Bangladesh’s first Test series victory (of two matches or more) against a team other than Zimbabwe and the West Indies, according to the ICC.
The success has significantly boosted Bangladesh in the ICC World Test Championship standings, propelling them to No. 4 with a points percentage of 45.83, leapfrogging England.
In the second Test, beginning the fifth day at 42/0 and needing 143 runs to win, Bangladesh maintained a steady approach, adding 80 runs in the morning session. Despite losing both openers quickly, a partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque helped keep the team on track. Eventually, veteran players Mushfiqur Rahim (22) and Shakib Al Hasan (21) guided Bangladesh to victory.
Earlier in the match, after opting to field first, Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 274 runs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming a five-wicket haul and Taskin Ahmed taking three wickets. Despite a strong response from Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Khurram Shahzad with six wickets, Bangladesh’s bowlers rose to the occasion again. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana combined for nine wickets, dismissing Pakistan for just 172 runs in their second innings, setting Bangladesh a target of 185 runs.
Poor weather conditions interrupted play on Day 4 but did not hinder Bangladesh, who completed their victory with six wickets to spare.
