Pakistan's hopes for a strong start to their second innings against Bangladesh were swiftly dashed, as Bangladesh's fast bowler Hasan Mahmud struck twice in quick succession on day three of the second Test match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
The match, played at the Rawalpindi Stadium, saw Hasan dismissing both Abdullah Shafique and night watchman Khurram Shahzad, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position as they headed into Day 4. Saim Ayub remained unbeaten on six, facing an uphill battle ahead.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by a masterful knock from Litton Das, who scored a resilient 138 runs off 228 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and four sixes. Coming in with Bangladesh reeling at 26-6, Litton’s century was a display of sheer determination and skill, rescuing his team from a near-collapse. He found solid support from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed 78 runs in a 165-run partnership, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers.
Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking six wickets for 90 runs. His fiery spell early in the day had reduced Bangladesh to a precarious 26-6, with Mir Hamza and Salman Ali Agha also chipping in with two wickets each. However, Litton and Mehidy’s counter-attack turned the tide for Bangladesh, helping them reach a total of 262.
In response, Pakistan’s second innings got off to a disastrous start, losing two key wickets to Hasan Mahmud, putting the visitors on the back foot as they head into the crucial fourth day of the match.
