In the second test at Rawalpindi, Bangladesh’s Litton Das struck a courageous 138 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz 78 to help the tourists overcome a dire situation and record 262 all out after Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad claimed six wickets on Sunday’s third day of play.
In response to Pakistan’s 274-run first-innings score, Bangladesh was down to 26-6 and facing certain defeat in the morning due to intense fast bowling. However, Das and Miraz combined for a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket to steadie the ship.
In his 228-ball innings, Das smashed 13 fours and four sixes, and Miraz, who took five wickets to bowl out Pakistan, demonstrated his batsmanship with 12 fours and a six.
Pakistan was 9-2 at the end of their second innings at the stumps, holding a tenuous 21-run lead as they attempted to square the two-match series after losing the opening test by 10 wickets following a demanding day’s work.
On the last ball of the day, Hasan Mahmud bowled Shahzad, the guy who watches the night, and removed Abdullah Shafique.
After keeping Pakistan quiet on Saturday after the first day washed out, Bangladesh resumed on 10 for no loss. However, they were quickly put under tremendous pressure.
Shahzad (6-90) took early wickets with great pace and swing, dismissing Zakir Hasan and capturing Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in his next over. Mir Hamza also chipped in with a couple of fast runs.
The stunned tourists were left in a precarious situation when Shahzad trapped the seasoned Shakib Al Hasan leg before wicket, leaving them requiring another 98 runs to escape the follow-on.
But Miraz and Das pulled off an incredible comeback, guiding Bangladesh to 75-6 at lunchtime while taking advantage of the Pakistani bowlers to reach their half-centuries.
Miraz gave the fast bowler an easy catch shortly after Das hooked Shahzad for a massive six to push their partnership above 150 runs, but Das persisted and scored his fourth test century to frustrate Pakistan.
