Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by joining an elite group of wicketkeepers. In a stunning performance during the second Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Das scored his fourth Test century, marking a significant turnaround for Bangladesh who found themselves in dire straits early on.
The match began with Pakistan setting a first-innings total of 274. In response, Bangladesh’s top order crumbled under the fierce Pakistani bowling attack, leaving them teetering at 26/6. The quick dismissals sent shockwaves through the Bangladeshi camp, with many questioning whether the team could even manage to avoid a follow-on. However, Litton Das had different plans.
Taking the crease with his team in a precarious situation, Das showcased immense resilience and skill. He was initially joined by Mehidy Hasan, who played a pivotal role in supporting Das during what became a monumental seventh-wicket partnership. Together, they meticulously rebuilt Bangladesh’s innings, adding 165 runs to the total. Mehidy Hasan contributed 78 runs before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad, but the damage had already been mitigated to a large extent by then.
After Mehidy’s dismissal, Litton continued his assault on the Pakistani bowlers. His display of technical prowess and mental fortitude finally culminated in a well-deserved century. As wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Das found another able partner in Hasan Mahmud. Their partnership further bolstered Bangladesh’s position, taking them to a commendable total of 250. Eventually, Litton Das was dismissed for an outstanding 138 runs, a knock that not only rescued his team from the brink of collapse but also set them up for a competitive fight in the match.
By reaching this memorable milestone, Litton Das joined an exclusive club of overseas wicketkeepers who have scored a Test century on Pakistani soil.
. This list features legendary names such as Kumar Sangakkara, MS Dhoni, and Romesh Kaluwitharana. Specifically, Litton became only the sixth overseas wicketkeeper to achieve this feat in Pakistan, placing him among cricketing royalty.
To put this achievement into perspective, here is the complete list of overseas wicketkeepers who have scored Test centuries in Pakistan:
1. Warren Lees (New Zealand) – 152 in 1976 at National Stadium, Karachi
2. Romesh Kaluwitharana (Sri Lanka) – 100 in 1999 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 230 in 2002, 104 in 2009 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4. MS Dhoni (India) – 148 in 2006 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
5. Ollie Pope (England) – 108 in 2022 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
6. Litton Das (Bangladesh) – 138 in 2024 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
This century by Litton Das did not merely add to his personal accolades but also provided Bangladesh with much-needed momentum. His performance, coupled with Hasan Mahmud’s crucial contributions towards the end, ensured that Bangladesh remained competitive in the game. By the end of the third day, Bangladesh had gained the upper hand with Litton’s century and Hasan Mahmud’s twin strikes late in the day, leaving Pakistan two wickets down with only a slender lead of 21 runs.
Moving into Day 4 and Day 5, Bangladesh find themselves in a position where they can dictate the course of the game. The onus now rests on Pakistan’s key players to step up and try to bat the opposition out of the game. However, with the spirits high in the Bangladeshi camp following Litton’s exceptional knock, Pakistan undoubtedly faces an uphill battle.
Litton Das’s century against Pakistan will be remembered as one of the finest innings played under pressure, not only bolstering his growing reputation but also providing a shining example of grit and determination for his team. As the Test match continues, all eyes will be on how this initial spark of resilience from Das can inspire Bangladesh to potentially turn the tide in their favor.
