A amazing century by Litton Das and a valuable partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz brought Bangladesh back into contention on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan, who dominated the early part of the day with a devastating bowling display, were left in a precarious position by stumps, with the match now delicately balanced.
Morning Session:
The day began with Bangladesh resuming their first innings at 10 for no wicket, trailing Pakistan’s total of 274. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Khurram Shahzad, made full use of the early morning conditions to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for six in just nine overs. Khurram, playing in his third Test, was in lethal form, claiming four early wickets, including Zakir Hasan (1), Shadman Islam (10), Najmul Hossain Shanto (4), and Shakib Al Hasan (2).
Mir Hamza provided excellent support from the other end, taking the wickets of Mominul Haque (1) and Mushfiqur Rahim (3). With Bangladesh’s top order dismantled, Pakistan appeared to be on course for a substantial first-innings lead.
Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Just as Bangladesh’s innings seemed set for a swift end, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz staged a remarkable recovery. The pair put together a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and keeping Bangladesh in the game.
Litton Das, who battled cramps during his innings, reached his fourth Test century off 171 balls, including 11 boundaries and two sixes. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had earlier taken a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings, contributed a crucial 78 runs off 124 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.
Their partnership was eventually broken when Mehidy was dismissed by Khurram Shahzad, who completed his maiden five-wicket haul. Bangladesh’s tail continued to resist, with Litton Das adding another 69 runs for the ninth wicket alongside Hasan Mahmud, who remained unbeaten on 13. Litton’s resilient innings came to an end when he was caught at long-on after scoring 138 off 228 balls. Bangladesh’s innings concluded at 262, just 12 runs short of Pakistan’s total.
Pakistan’s Second Innings:
With a slender lead of 12 runs, Pakistan’s openers faced a challenging task in the final session. Bangladesh’s bowlers, buoyed by their team’s fightback, struck early to put Pakistan under pressure. Hasan Mahmud removed Abdullah Shafique for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad for a duck, leaving Pakistan at nine for two at stumps.
With a lead of only 21 runs and eight wickets in hand, Pakistan’s batting lineup will need to deliver on the fourth day to set a competitive target.
Khurram Shahzad
Despite Bangladesh’s fightback, Khurram Shahzad’s bowling performance stood out. His six-wicket haul for 90 runs marked him as the first Pakistan fast bowler to take a six-fer in a home series since 2010. His efforts, however, were overshadowed by the resilient batting display from Bangladesh.
Match Situation
At the close of play on day three, the Test match is evenly poised, with both teams having an opportunity to take control. Pakistan will look to build on their lead, while Bangladesh will aim to restrict them and chase down the target. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, the outcome of this Test remains uncertain. The final two days promise to deliver an exciting conclusion to what has been a gripping contest so far.
