Litton Das Century Powers Bangladesh to Strong Total as Pakistan Openers Hold Firm on Day One

Wicketkeeper-batter's fighting 126 lifts hosts from 116/6 to 278 all out on opening day in Sylhet.

May 16, 2026 at 6:18 PM
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SYLHET, Bangladesh: A magnificent 126 from Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a middle-order collapse and propelled them to a competitive first-innings total of 278, before Pakistan’s emerging openers safely navigated a tricky six-over spell to reach 21/0 at stumps on day one of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

After being sent in to bat, the hosts slumped to 116/6 shortly after lunch. But Das mounted a sensational rearguard action, adding crucial runs alongside the lower order, including partnerships of over 60 with both Taijul Islam (16) and Shoriful Islam (12 not out), to steer Bangladesh to a respectable score.

The right-handed Das faced 159 balls, smashing 16 fours and two sixes in his monumental knock.

In reply, Pakistan’s young opening pair of Abdullah Fazal (9) and Azan Awais (13) batted sensibly through the dying minutes of the day, trailing by 257 runs heading into day two.

Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 4 for 81 from 17 overs, while Mohammad Abbas claimed three wickets. Hasan Ali picked up two, and Sajid Khan chipped in with one.

Earlier, Bangladesh had reached tea at 168/6 after a disastrous second session saw captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), Mushfiqur Rahim (23), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4) fall in quick succession. At lunch, the home side had been relatively comfortable at 101/3.

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