Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Das etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with a stellar century during the ongoing second Test match against Pakistan held in Rawalpindi. This remarkable feat marks his fourth Test hundred, steering Bangladesh through a challenging situation and drawing him into an elite group of wicketkeepers who have achieved century milestones on Pakistani soil.
Bangladesh had found themselves in a precarious situation early in the match. After dismissing Pakistan for 274 in their first innings, Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled dramatically, tumbling to a dire 26/6. Amidst this crisis, Litton Das demonstrated immense resilience and skill as he collaborated with Mehidy Hasan in a crucial seventh-wicket stand. This partnership was nothing short of heroic, adding a formidable 165 runs and reviving Bangladesh’s hopes in the Test match.
Mehidy Hasan contributed significantly before being dismissed for 78 by Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad, but not before he had provided firm support to Litton. Litton’s exemplary innings did not stop there; even after Mehidy’s departure, he continued to build partnerships, notably with Hasan Mahmud, and carried Bangladesh to a competitive total of 250. His personal score reached an impressive 138, further solidifying his place as one of modern cricket’s finest wicketkeeper-batsmen before finally being dismissed. His performance ensured that the visitors were not too far behind Pakistan’s first-innings tally.
Litton Das’s century in this Test is historically significant as it makes him only the sixth overseas wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Pakistan. In doing so, he joins a distinguished lineup that includes cricketing legends like Kumar Sangakkara, MS Dhoni, and Romesh Kaluwitharana.
The list of overseas wicketkeepers who have attained this prestigious milestone in Pakistan is as follows:
– Warren Lees (New Zealand) scored 152 in 1976 at the National Stadium, Karachi.
– Romesh Kaluwitharana (Sri Lanka) scored 100 in 1999 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
.
– Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) scored 230 in 2002 and 104 in 2009, both at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
– MS Dhoni (India) scored 148 in 2006 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
– Ollie Pope (England) scored 108 in 2022 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
– Litton Das (Bangladesh) scored 138 in 2024 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
This landmark by Litton Das is not just a personal triumph but also a significant highlight for Bangladesh cricket. His century, coupled with crucial late strikes by Hasan Mahmud on the third day of play, has put Bangladesh in a position of advantage. As the match progresses into Day 4 and Day 5, the visitors can now dictate terms, holding a slender lead while already having Pakistan down by two wickets.
For Pakistan, the situation demands a robust response from their key batsmen. They must mount a significant effort to overcome Bangladesh’s momentum and swing the game back in their favor. The hosts will rely heavily on their seasoned players to weather the Bangladeshi bowling attack and build a lead that can challenge the visitors.
This Test match in Rawalpindi, marked by Litton Das’s exceptional batting display, underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket and the individual brilliance that can shift the game’s dynamics. Litton’s innings will be remembered as a beacon of resilience and excellence, setting a standard for wicketkeeper-batsmen worldwide. As the match enfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching to see if Bangladesh can capitalize on this advantageous position or if Pakistan will engineer a formidable comeback.
