Chattogram, Nov 26th : .A stunning maiden Test century by Liton Das (113 not-out) and fighting fifty from Mushfiqur Rahim (82) brought Bangladesh to 253/4 at Friday’s end of the first Test in the two-match series against Pakistan. Bangladesh was in trouble at 49/4, but Liton and Rahim’s unbeaten partnership of 204-runs saved them and they won the first day after a dark morning session.
Bangladesh opted to bat earlier and got off to the worst start, with their top four wickets back in the pavilion within the first 90 minutes.
Pakistan bowlers took full advantage of the early moisture to dominate the morning session.It started with Shaheen Afridi capturing Saif Hassan in the fifth ball.
Shadman Islam tried to keep things running with a few fours, but was caught by Hasan Ali three runs later for 14.
Mominul Haque, captain, survived a few close calls but his luck ran out quickly when Sajid Khan caught him behind on 6.In the next over, Najmul Haque Shanto left, failing to keep his shot down and giving the ball to the fielder at point.
Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, an experienced duo, managed to score the remaining 11 runs before Lunch, taking the hosts’ total to 69/4
Mushfiqur, Liton and others took advantage of the batting-friendly conditions in the second session to frustrate the Pakistani bowlers.
They didn’t seem to be bothered by pace or spin as they kept the scorecard ticking and quietly scored runs, bringing about their respective fifties.
As the partnership gained trust, the duo strengthened Bangladesh’s position and took them to Tea at a solid 171/4.
The duo maintained the same momentum as Tea.Pakistan’s horror show continued with Liton being dropped at 67.This was a simple chance for Sajid at midwicket, but he messed up.Another chance for the visitors was lost with a Nauman Ai no-ball that almost got Mushfiqur just a few runs later.
Liton quickly accumulated runs after the reprieve and survived another attempt to reach a remarkable hundred.He was able to sneak through for a single on 99 but had to dive in because the mid-off fielder was shy at the stumps.
Liton was fortunate to be able to catch the fielder.
After struggling with cramps and other surviving issues, Liton finally achieved his maiden Test hundred in his 43rdinning after falling five runs short in Harare, July 2021.
Although the visitors took the second ball as soon as it became available, they were unable to break the mammoth partnership despite their best efforts.The light was rapidly diminishing and the umpires decided that it was time to call it quits with five overs remaining.
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