Bangladesh-Pakistan Series
Litton-Hasans heroic put Bangladesh on top, Pak 9-2 at stumps
|| CF DESK ||
Hasan Mahmud struck twice at the close of the day's play after Litton Das' fighting hundred to put Bangladesh on command as Pakistan scored 9-2 at stumps, taking a lead of 21 runs during the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh were restricted to 262 in reply to Pakistan's 274 as Khurram celebrated a six-wicket haul (6-90) assisted by Salman Agha and Mir Hamza doubles.
Litton scored his fourth Test century by playing an anchoring knock of 138 off 228 added by 13 boundaries and four sixes to save the Tigers from an early setback.
Litton joined by Mehidy Hasan Miraz put together a 167-run partnership to rescue the team from 26-6. Khurram then broke the partnership by dismissing Miraz with a return catch for a breakthrough.
Miraz scored a valiant 78 runs, supported by Litton to show some resistance and helped Bangladesh to avoid the follow-on.
During the first session, Khurram and Mir Hamza shared six wickets together to rattle down Bangladesh batters early. Khurram was instrumental in taking four wickets accompanied by Hamza, who scalped two as Bangladesh collapsed to 26-6.
Resuming on 10-0, Bangladesh lost overnight batters Shadman Islam (10) and Zakir Hasan (1) and lost four more wickets at regular intervals in a span of six overs.
Shahzad got opener Zakir Hasan caught by Abrar Ahmed at short midwicket, then bowled Shadman Islam (10) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (1). Following that, Mominul Haque also gave away his wicket with an easy catch to fielder while facing Hamza.
First Test centurion Mushfiqur Rahim (3) was the next to fall, edging a rising delivery from Hamza to the wicketkeeper before Shakib Al Hasan (10) was given lbw for the fourth wicket for Khurram.
Earlier, off-spinner Miraz completed a five-wicket haul to help Bangladesh skittle Pakistan for 274 on the second day. The first day's play was washed out due to rain.