Third day of 2nd Test: Litton Das helps Bangladesh  reach solid total of 262 runs against Pakistan

Rawalpindi: Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das on Sunday played a stellar innings of 138 runs, helping Bangladesh reach a solid total of 262 in response to Pakistan's first-innings score of 274.

On the third day of the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Das's vital knock gave Bangladesh a much-needed boost as they sought to turn the tide in their favor.

Bangladesh found themselves in trouble early on, with Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad reducing them to a precarious 26/6.

 However, Litton Das, alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, orchestrated a remarkable comeback, putting together a crucial 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, stabilizing the innings.

Das's remarkable performance didn't end there as he added 69 runs with Hasan Mahmud for the ninth wicket. His innings, which lasted 228 balls and included 13 fours and four sixes, finally came to an end when he was caught by Saim Ayub off Salman Ali Agha's bowling. Agha also took the wicket of Nahid Rana, bringing Bangladesh's innings to a close.

Earlier, Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 274, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking five wickets and Taskin Ahmed adding three more to his tally. For Pakistan, Shan Masood (57), Saim Ayub (58), and Salman Ali Agha (54) all contributed half-centuries, while Babar Azam managed 31 runs and is still searching for his first fifty in Test cricket in 15 innings.

As the third day of play continued, Pakistan faced further challenges with Hasan Mahmud dismissing Abdullah Shafique (3) and night watchman Khurram Shahzad (0). At stumps, Pakistan had reached 9/2, holding a narrow lead of 21 runs.

The first day's play was entirely washed out due to rain, adding to the suspense of this tightly contested match.

Playing XIs:

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad.