Litton Das struck a magnificent century to pull Bangladesh out of deep trouble after Pakistan dominated large parts of the opening day of the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Bangladesh, sent in to bat after Pakistan captain Shan Masood elected to field first, were dismissed for 278 in 77 overs despite collapsing to 116 for 6 during the second session.
Pakistan then reached 21 without loss in six overs at stumps, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on eight. The visitors trail by 257 runs.
Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led Pakistan’s attack with disciplined bowling after making early inroads into the Bangladesh batting line-up. Shahzad claimed 4 for 81, while Abbas returned figures of 3 for 45.
Pakistan made the ideal start when Abbas dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy with only the second ball of the innings. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque attempted to steady the innings with a positive partnership before Pakistan struck again.
Tanzid scored 26 before Abbas removed him, while Shahzad dismissed Mominul for 22 to reduce Bangladesh to 63 for 3.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim added resistance, but Pakistan tightened their grip after lunch through sustained pressure and accurate bowling.
Abbas forced Shanto to edge behind for 29, while Shahzad trapped Mushfiqur leg-before for 23. Mehidy Hasan Miraz soon followed as Bangladesh slipped further into difficulty at 116 for 6.
Litton Das, however, transformed the innings with a composed and commanding knock under pressure. The wicketkeeper-batter managed the strike carefully while batting alongside the lower order before gradually attacking as the bowlers tired.
He shared valuable partnerships with Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam to frustrate Pakistan after the visitors appeared close to wrapping up the innings quickly.
Litton completed his century from 135 deliveries, striking 13 fours and one six. His innings of 126 from 159 balls finally ended late in the day when Hasan Ali dismissed him shortly before the innings closed.
Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten on 12 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 278.
Pakistan’s openers then negotiated the final six overs safely to complete a steady finish to the day after Bangladesh had recovered strongly through Litton’s innings.
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