Day 2 of the second Test between PAK vs BAN saw Bangladesh emerge victorious after Day 1 was thoroughly dominated. After Day 3 of play resumed in Rawalpindi, behind Pakistan by 264 runs, the visitors would have been expected to continue their strong batsmanship moving forward. But soon after, a top-order breakdown occurred, which was a turn for the worst.
After a wobbly 1 off 16 deliveries, Zakir Hasan was the first player to be removed from the game. Khurram Shahzad’s fourth over of the innings, which was the ninth over overall, proved to be utterly disastrous for Bangladesh. The guests were left in a state of chaos when Shadnam Islam and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto caused disturbances to their timber.
Bangladesh recorded their joint-worst total at six wickets down in Test matches when Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim left the game after just six deliveries. At one point, it appeared as though Pakistan will soon discard the lower middle-order and tail, which made Bangladesh’s situation quite dire.
But then Litton Das, the wicketkeeper-batter, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the star of the first innings, came in clutch and salvaged their innings with a well-constructed stand that took few chances.
The batting duo displayed a comparable tempo of play and exuded confidence as they sought to exploit any misplayed deliveries. When the two batsmen took Khurram for eighteen runs in the fiftyth over of the innings, it was sheer mayhem. However, Mehidy proved to be Khurram’s fifth victim and gave him his maiden five-wicket haul in the red-ball format, giving the right-arm medium speed bowler the last laugh.
Litton took on a slightly more assertive stance with the tailenders at the crease, namely going after players like Abrar Ahmed. Litton seized the lead in an attempt to reduce the gap, with Hasan Mahmud defending his end.
After Litton bravely went off trying to clear the long-on fence, the batting ended tamely, with Salman Agha securing his second of the session a few deliveries later when he trapped Nahid Rana in front.
Before play ended, there would be a brief period of new-ball bowling to contend with, as the hosts held onto a 12-run lead and needed to have the visitors bowled out. After a careless shot reached the outer edge of the bat, which was easily caught behind.
Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Day 2 of the Second Test: Pak vs Ban
Abdullah Shafique was removed for yet another cheap score—his third of the series. After 3.4 overs and with Pakistan’s second innings score of 9/2, the umpires decided to call it a day after nightwatchman Khurram noticed his stumps moved.
Here’s how X reacted to Day 3 of the game
The two best cricketers from Bangladesh at the moment, @Officialmiraz and @LittonOfficial have given their team a great chance of winning a series. Have often said Litton is the best white ball batter in Bangladesh but I hope this test century expands his ambition.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 1, 2024
From a position of 26/6 at one stage, Bangladesh won the day against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. This is not easy to believe 🇵🇰💔💔#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/V9Gn8McqPw
— sohail kagad (@KagadSohail) September 1, 2024
Hindu blood Litton Das came when Bangladesh were 26/6 & hammered Pakistan bowlers in their own backyard to score a century 🔥#PAKvsBAN | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/B7Ib5gCVf2
— Abhiixcric 🏏 (@Abhi66275866) September 1, 2024
Two wickets for Hasan Mahmud, two wickets for Bangladesh. What a day for them 🇧🇩🔥
Pakistan 9/2 at stumps on day 3 and in big trouble 🇵🇰💔#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/wFlHUh3QwZ
— sohail kagad (@KagadSohail) September 1, 2024
What an innings by #LittonDas and owned pakistan.
Bangladesh were 26/5… #BANvsPAK #PakvsBan #PakistanCricket #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/ulOpdrLl1f
— akash sharma (@akash_koolakku) September 1, 2024
Bangladesh Vs Pakistan 2nd Test
Day 3, Stumps
1st innings PAK 274/10
1st innings BAN 262/10
2nd innings PAK 9/2Hasan Mahmud 3/2
Pakistan Lead By 21 Runs.#PAKvBAN#PAKvsBAN#Test#Cricket#Bcb pic.twitter.com/vXb0GGEaEA
— Md Ifran Ali Bijoy 🇧🇩 (@IfranAliBijoy20) September 1, 2024
آپ نے بہت سارے لوگ دیکھے ہونگے جو نسیم اور شاہین کے ڈراپ ہونے پر واویلا کر رہے تھے. دیکھیں پھر جینوائن ریڈ بال بالرز نے کیسا کمال دکھایا آج. یے بات مان لیں کہ ہمیں بڑے کام کے بالر چاہیے، نام کے نہیں.
اب سب کو ٹیم میں جگہ لینے کے لیے محنت کرنا ہو گی، آسان انٹری بند.#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/01eZwID7fh
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) September 1, 2024
A great Battle of Minnows going on in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh will eventually WIN after a remarkable comeback from 26-6 to 262.
Pakistan will crumble and bowled out below 150.#PAKvBAN— Muhammad Sohail Zafar محمد سہیل ظفر (@OfficialSohailZ) September 1, 2024
Hindu blood Litton Das came when Bangladesh were 26/6 & hammered Pakistan bowlers in their own backyard to score a century 🔥#PAKvsBAN | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/q2RZhFKv6e
— Dr.Arti kumawat (@drartikumawat) September 1, 2024
Hindu blood Litton Das came when Bangladesh were 26/6 & hammered Pakistan bowlers in their own backyard to score a century 🔥#PAKvsBAN | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/8WGGYVmnQr
— सनातन संस्कृति सर्वोपरी (@s_81023) September 1, 2024
Ironically, pakistan best shot is to get bowled out quickly and then capitalise on a Bangladesh collapse to win a low scoring thriller before weather has a say.
— Blackwater Park (@demonofthefall4) September 1, 2024