Rawalpindi: In a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, wicket-keeper batsman Litton Das emerged as a hero for his team during the second Test against Pakistan, stepping in when the score was at 26/6. He showcased his prowess by scoring 138 runs from 228 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and 4 fours. His exceptional performance, along with that of Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78), led the team to a commendable score of 262.
This remarkable feat earned Das the title of Player of the Match.
Following the match, Das expressed his confidence, stating, "I had faith in myself. Pakistan's bowlers were formidable, but my goal was to bat for as long as possible. It was a moment of triumph when I hit a four and a six, which shifted the momentum in our favor."
Das and Miraz established a partnership of 175 runs.
"When Hasan joined the team, I found myself with limited scoring opportunities. I chose to play as many overs as possible. I also acknowledge Hasan's exceptional batting skills. I prefer playing in Tests, as it plays a crucial role in the team's success. It's a role I take seriously, and when I perform well behind the wicket, it reflects positively on the team," he elaborated.
"Upon our arrival, we were facing challenges back home. However, we dedicated ourselves to hard practice. The key to success is team effort, and I want to extend my gratitude to the entire team and the coaching staff for their support. Playing in such extreme conditions is not easy," he added.
This series victory marked a significant milestone for Bangladesh, as they swept the Test series against Pakistan, winning the first match by 10 wickets. This victory was particularly notable as it was Bangladesh's first Test series win against Pakistan since the inception of the Test series.
Furthermore, this triumph has elevated Bangladesh's position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, moving them to the fourth position with a points percentage of 45.83, surpassing England.
On the fifth day of the match, which commenced on the 42nd, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position, requiring 143 additional runs to secure victory. However, they commenced the day with a steady approach, steadily moving closer to their modest objective while maintaining a cautious strategy. The morning session saw an additional 80 runs added to their score. Despite this progress, they were unable to hold onto their lead, losing both openers within a span of 12 runs.
Despite the early setback, the seasoned pairing of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque managed to put together a 57-run partnership, effectively keeping the opposition on their toes. Shanto was dismissed shortly after midday for 38, and Haque was out for 34, leading to a slight wobble in Bangladesh's momentum.
Nonetheless, the veteran duo of Mushfiqur Rahim (aged 22*) and Shakib Al Hasan (21*) persevered, guiding Bangladesh to victory without further complications.
In the earlier stages of the Test, following their decision to field first, Bangladesh delivered another commendable performance, dismissing Pakistan for a modest total of 274 runs. Despite contributions from captain Shan Masood and the opening batsman Saim Ayub, it was Mehidy Hasan Miraz's impressive five-wicket haul, coupled with three wickets from Taskin Ahmed, that ensured Pakistan's first innings score remained within striking distance.
Pakistan, however, responded with exceptional skill, with Khurram Shahzad spearheading the charge with a remarkable six-wicket haul, securing a narrow lead of 12 runs for the home team.
Yet, Bangladesh's bowlers were not deterred. Two additional players, Hasan Mahmud (24) and Nahid Rana (21), emerged as heroes for the visitors, combining for nine wickets as Pakistan faltered to just 172 runs in the second innings. This left Bangladesh with a target of 185 runs with four sessions remaining in the match.
The match was prematurely halted on the fourth day due to adverse weather and poor lighting conditions, but these factors merely served to delay the inevitable outcome, with Bangladesh ultimately clinching the Test with six wickets to spare.
