Liton-Miraz’s heroics and Hasan’s burst give Bangladesh a boost

In the second Test of the series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh was all out for 262 runs in their first innings, trailing Pakistan, who had posted 274.

The hosts have a slender lead of 12 runs, a difference that could have been much larger were it not for the resilient partnership of Litton and Miraz.

Despite being 12 runs behind, Bangladesh has no reason to be disheartened.At one point, it seemed their innings might collapse before reaching 50 runs. Facing a daunting 26 for 6, Litton and Miraz built a record-setting partnership to recover their innings. Litton’s century further advanced Bangladesh’s position significantly.

The start of the third day saw a strong performance from Bangladesh’s bowlers. Leading by 12 runs, Hasan Mahmud made an impact in the late afternoon, taking two crucial wickets in just 1.4 overs. Pakistan ended the day at 9 for 2 in 3.4 overs, extending their lead to 21 runs. Hasan dismissed openers Abdullah Shafique and night-watchman Khurram Shahzad.

After rain disrupted the first day, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl on the second day. Miraz and Taskin Ahmed excelled with the ball, limiting Pakistan to under 300 runs. By the end of the second day, Bangladesh had scored 10 runs without loss in 2 overs, with Sadman Islam Anik on 6 and Zakir Hasan on 0.

However, the start of the third day saw a collapse as Bangladesh’s batsmen struggled against the pace attack of Khurram Ahmed and Mir Hamza. Zakir was dismissed for 14, and Sadman followed for 5. With the team under pressure, captain Shanto and Mominul Haque soon fell, with Khurram claiming all three initial wickets. Mir Hamza joined in the celebrations by removing Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession.

Amidst this chaos, Litton and Miraz steadied the ship, forming a 165-run partnership, a first in Test history for a partnership of this magnitude after losing six wickets for fewer than 50 runs. Miraz scored 78 off 124 balls, including 12 fours and a six, setting a record for the highest score by a number eight batsman in such a scenario.

Following Miraz’s dismissal, Litton continued to fight alongside Hasan Mahmud, scoring his fourth Test century. Litton’s innings of 138 off 228 balls, with 13 fours and 4 sixes, is his second-highest Test score. This century, his first in over two years, surpasses the records of former captains Habibul Bashar and Imrul Kayes, both of whom had three centuries.

Litton’s century stands out as he becomes the only player in Test history to score three centuries while batting at six or seven, having previously scored one at number five and two at six and seven. Hasan Mahmud finished unbeaten on 13, and opener Sadman scored 10. Seven Bangladesh batsmen failed to reach double figures. Khurram’s career-best bowling performance of 6 for 90 in 21 overs was pivotal, with Mir Hamza taking 2 for 50 in 16 overs and off-spinner Salman Aga claiming 2 wickets.