After Lunch Litton takes his chances against 'Tired' Pakistan
|| CF DESK ||
Litton Das hit a fighting hundred to lift Bangladesh from a precarious 26-6 to 262 all out on Sunday, in a remarkable turnaround that left the second Test in Rawalpindi within either team's grasp.
The 29-year-old Litton hit 138 over the course of a marathon 333 minutes and brought Bangladesh back into the match with a fighting 165-run seventh-wicket stand alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a pugnacious 78.
Litton, who came to the crease with Bangladesh tottering at 26-5, cracked 13 boundaries and four sixes, adding a big 236 for the last four wickets.
Litton admitted he was a little nervous at the start but happy by the end.
"We were a bit nervous at that start of the partnership. I never thought I would have to bat before the [first] drinks break. We told each other that since Pakistan has the momentum in that moment, let's take our time and see what happens. I didn't have a long-term plan at that point. Shakib bhai got out quickly so both Miraz and I were new at the crease. The new ball was still on, so it was challenging. We wanted to drag the game, and possibly get the momentum back into our side,” Litton said after day’s play.
"I enjoyed batting with him [Miraz]. He is always positive. We talk about how to score in that situation. I know we were on the back foot, but that's the opportunity. If you are a big player, you have to cash in on that opportunity. Credit goes to Miraz for taking the initiative. I was struggling with the hand [injury]. His early boundaries gave us a rhythm."
Only after lunch Litton open up as he hit two fours through gully off Shahzad in his second spell. Shahzad conceded four fours in his next over, with Litton dispatching him for three of them including a straight drive and a pull.
"There was a bit of refreshment after lunch. I felt [Pakistan] were a bit tired. I took that chance. I could score as it was in my zone," Litton said.
At close on the third day, Bangladesh struck back to leave Pakistan on a sluggish 9-2, with opener Abdullah Shafique dismissed for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad falling without scoring -- both to pacer Hasan Mahmud.