Litton Das leads Bangladesh recovery with ton on Day 1

Litton Das’s sixth Test hundred led a fine comeback for Bangladesh as they recovered from 116 for 6 to post 278 on Day 1 of the second Test in Sylhet. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad made the most of helpful conditions after Pakistan opted to bowl, ensuring none of the top five crossed 30. But Litton’s brisk 126 off 159 led the fightback, forging important partnerships with the lower order. His ninth-wicket stand with Shoriful Islam was the most productive. Pakistan were 21 for 0 in reply, batting out six overs late in the day.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell in the opening over, caught at slip. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mominul Haque added 44 before Tanzid fell to Abbas. Mominul was bowled by Shahzad, and Bangladesh slipped to 63 for 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings, taking Bangladesh to 101 for 3 at Lunch.

After Lunch, Abbas dismissed Najmul, Shahzad trapped Mushfiqur lbw, and Bangladesh slipped to 110 for 5. It became 116 for 6 when Shahzad had Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught. Litton and Taijul Islam added a crucial half-century stand, taking Bangladesh to 168 for 6 at Tea.

Pakistan broke the seventh-wicket stand when Sajid Khan bowled Taijul. Litton continued, bringing up his fifty and taking Bangladesh past 200. Taskin Ahmed became Shahzad’s fourth wicket. Litton reached 99 and survived an lbw review before punching through covers off Shahzad for his hundred, then pulling the next ball for six. Shoriful supported well, and their ninth-wicket partnership crossed 50 before Litton fell to a short ball from Hasan Ali. Nahid Rana edged behind in the same over.

Pakistan openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal saw out the remaining overs without damage.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 278 (Litton Das 126; Khurram Shahzad 4-81, Mohammad Abbas 3-45) lead Pakistan 21/0 (Azan Awais 13*, Abdullah Fazal 8*) by 257 runs.