The third day of the second cricket Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday. A day that began disastrously for Bangladesh turned into a story of resilience, led by a stunning century from Litton Das and a spirited partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Despite a fierce bowling attack from Pakistan, the visitors clawed their way back into the match, leaving the Test intriguingly poised as both teams prepare for the final two days.
Pakistan’s Early Dominance
Pakistan began the day in a dominant position after wrapping up their first innings at 274 all out. Bangladesh, who started their innings cautiously at 10 for no wicket in just two overs, faced an onslaught from Pakistan’s fast bowlers. The early moisture in the pitch played into Pakistan’s hands, and Khurram Shahzad exploited the conditions to the fullest, triggering a collapse that left Bangladesh reeling at 26 for six within the first nine overs.
Khurram, who was playing just his third Test match, was in devastating form. He ripped through Bangladesh’s top order, claiming the wickets of Zakir Hasan (1), Shadman Islam (10), Najmul Hossain Shanto (4), and Shakib Al Hasan (2) in quick succession. Mir Hamza provided excellent support from the other end, adding to Bangladesh’s woes by dismissing Mominul Haque (1) and Mushfiqur Rahim (3).
At 26 for six, Bangladesh appeared to be on the brink of a humiliating collapse. The Pakistan bowlers were relentless, and the hosts looked set to build a significant first-innings lead.
Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Just as Bangladesh’s innings seemed destined for an early end, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz orchestrated one of the most remarkable fightbacks in recent Test history. The pair put together a stunning 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and turning the game on its head.
Litton Das, battling through cramps and relentless pressure, produced a masterclass in Test batting. He showcased immense composure and skill, countering Pakistan’s bowling attack with precision. Litton’s innings was a mixture of patience and aggression, as he reached his fourth Test century off 171 balls, a knock that included 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, fresh off a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings, provided vital support to Litton. Mehidy’s innings of 78 from 124 balls was equally crucial, featuring 12 boundaries and a six. Together, they not only steadied the ship for Bangladesh but also ensured that their team remained in the contest.
The partnership was eventually broken when Mehidy was dismissed, giving Khurram Shahzad his fifth wicket of the innings, and securing his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. However, the damage had been done, and Bangladesh had climbed to 191, significantly reducing Pakistan’s first-innings lead.
Litton’s Heroics Continue
After Mehidy’s departure, Bangladesh’s lower order continued to resist Pakistan’s bowlers. Litton Das found a new partner in Hasan Mahmud, and the duo added 69 crucial runs for the ninth wicket. Hasan Mahmud, who occupied the crease for nearly two hours, played a vital role in extending Bangladesh’s innings. He remained unbeaten on 13, ensuring that Pakistan’s bowlers had to work hard for every wicket.
Litton Das, having batted valiantly for 228 balls, was eventually dismissed for 138. His innings, laced with 13 boundaries and four sixes, was one of the finest Test knocks seen in recent times. Salman Ali Agha, who had earlier accounted for Mehidy, claimed Litton’s wicket, bringing an end to Bangladesh’s fightback. The innings concluded at 262, just 12 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total.
Pakistan’s Response:
With a slender lead of 12 runs, Pakistan’s openers faced a tricky period before stumps on the third day. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, inspired by their batsmen’s resistance, struck early to put Pakistan under pressure. Hasan Mahmud, who had already made an impact with the bat, delivered two crucial blows with the ball.
Mahmud dismissed Abdullah Shafique for just three runs, and then sent nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad back to the pavilion for a duck. Pakistan ended the day in a precarious position at nine for two, with a lead of just 21 runs and eight wickets in hand. The match, which had earlier seemed to be tilting in Pakistan’s favor, was now delicately balanced.
A Test for the Ages:
As the fourth day looms, both teams find themselves in a tense situation. Pakistan’s batting lineup, which had shown promise in the first innings, will need to dig deep to set a challenging target for Bangladesh. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, Pakistan’s spinners, especially Abrar Ahmed, who bowled 31 overs without taking a wicket in the first innings, could play a crucial role.
For Bangladesh, the key will be to maintain the momentum gained from their remarkable fightback. Their bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Pakistan’s batting order. With the Test evenly poised, a result could hinge on a few crucial moments.
Khurram Shahzad’s Six-fer:
Despite Bangladesh’s fightback, Khurram Shahzad’s bowling performance deserves special mention. His six-wicket haul for 90 runs not only put Pakistan in a commanding position early in the day but also made him the first Pakistan fast bowler to take a six-fer in a home series since 2010. Khurram’s figures of 21-3-90-6 were a testament to his skill and persistence on a day where he could have ended with even better figures had it not been for a dropped catch.
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is turning into a classic, with both teams showcasing their strengths and resilience. As the match enters its final stages, the outcome remains uncertain, and fans can expect more drama in the coming days. Whether Bangladesh completes a historic comeback or Pakistan reasserts their dominance, this Test match is sure to be remembered as one of the most enthralling contests in recent times.
