In an extraordinary comeback, Mehidi Hasan Miraj’s resilient 78 backed by Litton Das’s brilliant knock of 138 helped Bangladesh recover from 26 for 6, for a total of 262. The Rawalpindi May Test prevented Pakistan from eating an inning and restricted the lead to just 12 runs in the second inning. This marked Litton’s fourth Test century, the first in over two years, which proved his immense value to the team. An important 9th wicket partnership between Litton and no.10 Hasan Mahmood’s line added 69 runs to frustrate Pakistan on 149 balls as Bangladesh came close to levelling the scoreline.
Hassan Mahmood continued his contribution in Pakistan’s second innings, where he picked up two quick wickets, and struggled the visitors to 2 for 9 at the stumps, to cap an impressive third day for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Crucial 9th Wicket Partnership Frustrates Pakistan
Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad was their standout bowler, claiming his first 5 Test wickets, and finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 90. His fiery strike in the first hour of the day of the innings, in which he took 4 for 15, tore the Shahzad top order apart of Bangladesh Despite the courage, Litton and Mehidi put up a determined fight, putting together a crucial partnership of 165 for the 9th wicket seven followed by more formidable opposition when Litton and Mahmood played the final game.
Resuming at 193 for 8 after tea, Litton handled the strike cautiously, offering a few deliveries to meet Mahmood, who could have held Pakistan bowlers for more than two hours Battling through cramps, Litton reached his century with a delicate shot past the backward point, a milestone he celebrated with determination. However, Pakistan finally broke when Litton was caught at long-on trying to bowl Salman Ali Agha. Two balls later, No. 1 was dismissed. 11 Nahidara lbw to end Bangladesh’s innings.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s top order seemed clueless about Shahzad’s precision with Mir Hamza. The pair took six wickets off just 34 balls in a dangerous first hour. Shahzad’s short approach to aim at the stumps around the wicket paid off as he cut through the Bangladeshi batting line-up. Despite making 6 for 26, Litton and Mehidi guided Bangladesh to their lowest Test score since then, displaying their top gameplay and fighting spirit as they clawed their way back into the tournament.
