RAWALPINDI, SEPT 1 :  Litton Das delivered a scintillating century under immense pressure to overshadow Khurram Shahzad’s six-wicket haul, leading Bangladesh to an astonishing fightback against Pakistan on the third day of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The day saw a dramatic turnaround as Bangladesh, reduced to a disastrous 26 for six within the first hour, clawed their way back into the contest, leaving the match delicately poised.
Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Khurram, exploited the early moisture in the pitch, tearing through Bangladesh’s top order in a devastating opening spell. Khurram’s pace and precision left Bangladesh’s batters reeling as he accounted for Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession.

Mir Hamza provided support, dismissing Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim, as Bangladesh’s innings appeared doomed with the scoreboard reading a dismal 26 for six.

However, the script changed dramatically with the arrival of Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Despite suffering from cramps, Litton anchored the innings with immense determination, crafting a counterattacking knock that not only stabilized Bangladesh but put them back in contention. Together, Litton and Mehidy stitched a crucial 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and reviving Bangladesh’s hopes.

Litton’s innings was a masterclass in resilience and stroke play, reaching his fourth Test century in 171 balls with a mix of elegance and aggression. His 138-run effort included 13 fours and four sixes, each boundary serving as a blow to Pakistan’s dominance. Mehidy, who complemented his earlier five-wicket haul with the ball, played an invaluable supporting role with a composed 78 off 124 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.

Even after Mehidy’s departure, Bangladesh’s tail wagged effectively. Litton continued his onslaught, adding another crucial 69 runs with Hasan Mahmud for the ninth wicket before falling as the ninth batter. Bangladesh’s lower order added valuable runs, pushing the total to 262, just 12 runs shy of Pakistan’s first-innings score of 274.

Khurram Shahzad ended with remarkable figures of six for 90, becoming the first Pakistan fast bowler to claim a six-wicket haul in a home series since 2010. Yet, his effort was eclipsed by Litton’s heroics, which turned what seemed like a one-sided affair into a competitive encounter.

With momentum swinging, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early blows in Pakistan’s second innings. Hasan Mahmud, building on his contribution with the bat, removed opener Abdullah Shafique for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad for a duck, leaving Pakistan precariously placed at nine for two by stumps.

With Pakistan leading by just 21 runs and eight wickets in hand, the Test is finely balanced, setting the stage for an enthralling battle over the remaining two days.

As both teams regroup, the focus will be on how Pakistan’s batters respond under pressure and whether Bangladesh can maintain their newfound momentum to push for a series-levelling victory.(UNI)