A magnificent sixth Test century by Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a catastrophic collapse, guide the hosts to a respectable 278 on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. At stumps, Pakistan's openers safely navigated a tricky evening spell to finish at 21 for no loss, trailing by 257 runs.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bowl under overcast skies. The decision paid immediate dividends as frontline pacers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad tore through the Bangladesh top and middle order.
Abbas struck on the second ball of the match, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck. While debutant Tanzid Hasan (19) and Mominul Haque (22) counter-attacked briefly with a rapid 49-run partnership, both fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts reeling at 63 for 3.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (26) and the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim (18) stabilized the innings, grinding out a defensive partnership to guide Bangladesh to 101 for 3 at lunch.
The post-lunch session belonged entirely to Pakistan as their bowlers maintained relentless accuracy. Abbas broke the resistance by forcing an edge from Shanto, comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Shahzad, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi for this Test, then trapped Mushfiqur leg-before and dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a duck with a sharp bouncer.
Reeling at a precarious 116 for 6, Bangladesh looked in danger of being bowled out before tea. However, Litton Das found an able ally in Taijul Islam (11). The duo put up a gritty, stubborn 60-run resistance to see the team through to the tea interval at 168 for 6.
Though Sajid Khan clean-bowled Taijul immediately after the break, Litton took absolute control of the innings. He received a lucky reprieve on 52 when he gloved a Shahzad bouncer to the keeper, but Pakistan strangely chose not to review. Capitalizing on the lifeline, Litton expertly farmed the strike with the lower order, hitting 13 boundaries and a six to accelerate to a brilliant 126 off 135 deliveries.
Crucial tail-end cameos from Shoriful Islam (12) and Taskin Ahmed helped stretch the total before Litton was finally caught at deep square leg off Abdullah Fazal, wrapping up the innings at 278. Abbas and Shahzad finished as the pick of the visitors' bowlers, claiming three wickets apiece.
In reply, Pakistan openers Azan Awais (13*) and Abdullah Fazal (8*) handled the final six overs of the day with composure, playing some crisp drives to ensure the visitors finished the opening day firmly in the contest.
