Never thought I would have to bat before drinks break: Litton Das

Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das admitted that he was “a bit nervous” walking out to bat after his team was reduced to 26/5 on day three of the second and final Test against Pakistan. That 26/5 soon became 26/6, with Bangladesh still trailing by 248 runs.

However, that’s when Litton and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78) put on a 165-run stand for the seventh wicket to make sure Pakistan didn’t run away with the game. The 29-year-old crafted 138 off 228 - his fourth Test ton - before getting out to Agha Salman.

"I never thought I would have to bat before the drinks break. I was a bit nervous. We told each other that since Pakistan had the momentum at that moment, let's take our time and see what happens,” Cricbuzz quoted Litton as saying.

"Both Miraz and I were new at the crease. The new ball was still on, so it was challenging. We wanted to drag the game and possibly get the momentum back on our side. Credit goes to Miraz for taking the initiative. I was struggling with the hand injury, but his early boundaries gave us rhythm.

"I enjoyed batting with him [Mehidy]. He is always positive. We discussed how to score in that situation. I know we were on the back foot, but that's when opportunities arise. If you're a big player, you have to seize those opportunities."

Bangladesh lost Mehidy and Taskin Ahmed in quick succession, but Litton found some good support from Hasan Mahmud (13*), and the two ended up sharing a 69-run stand for the ninth wicket. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out 262, giving Pakistan a lead of just 12 runs. 

"When Hasan Mahmud arrived at the crease, I went into a completely defensive mindset. All the fielders were outside, so I had no chance to find boundaries. Credit to Hasan Mahmud for staying with me for a long time. We talked about scoring runs, whether it was one or two per over, so that we could reduce their lead."

If that wasn’t enough, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Abdullah Shafique and nightwatchman Khurram late on day three, reducing Pakistan to 9/2. The Men in Green lead by 21 runs and have eight wickets remaining. And Litton feels Bangladesh now have a chance to put Pakistan under pressure.

"Rain is not in our control, but we have to bowl well early tomorrow. There's help for the new ball on this wicket. If we can get early breakthroughs and gain momentum, we have a chance for another comeback," Litton said.

"I am not saying we can bowl them out easily. But we have to take responsibility as a bowling and fielding side. If we bowl in the right areas, they will struggle. This is not an easy wicket to bat on or score quickly. You have to take your time. We have good spinners and pacers, so let's see what happens tomorrow."

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