Sylhet, May 16,2026: A fighting century by Litton Das helped Bangladesh recover from a middle-order collapse and post 278 on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
In reply, Pakistan’s young openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal negotiated the final six overs cautiously to guide the visitors to 21 without loss at stumps.
Azan remained unbeaten on 13, while Fazal was not out on nine as Pakistan ended the day trailing by 257 runs.
Earlier, Bangladesh appeared in serious trouble after slumping to 116/6 shortly after lunch, but Litton Das produced a brilliant counter-attacking innings to revive the hosts’ fortunes.
The wicketkeeper-batter struck a superb 126 off 159 deliveries, smashing 16 boundaries and two sixes in a composed and aggressive knock.
Das received valuable support from lower-order batters Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam, adding crucial partnerships of more than 60 runs with each to push Bangladesh to a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Khurram Shahzad, who claimed four wickets for 81 runs in 17 overs. Mohammad Abbas picked up three wickets, while Hasan Ali took two and spinner Sajid Khan chipped in with one dismissal.
Bangladesh had started the day poorly after Pakistan captain Shan Masood elected to field first.
Mohammad Abbas struck on the second ball of the innings, dismissing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy cheaply to hand Pakistan an early breakthrough.
Opener Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque then steadied the innings with a 44-run stand before Abbas removed Tanzid for 26.
Khurram Shahzad later cleaned up Mominul for 22, reducing Bangladesh to 63/3.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim attempted to rebuild with a 43-run partnership, but Pakistan struck back strongly after lunch.
Shanto fell for 29, while Rahim managed 23 before Bangladesh lost three wickets in quick succession, slipping to 116/6.
However, Litton Das’s resilient century ensured the hosts recovered impressively before being bowled out for 278 late in the day.
