Liton Das scored a gritty hundred to rescue Bangladesh from a dire 26-6 to 262 all out on Sunday, orchestrating a stunning comeback that kept the second Test in Rawalpindi in the balance. The 29-year-old's 138 came off a grueling 333 minutes and revived Bangladesh's hopes with a resolute 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a spirited 78. By the end of the third day, Bangladesh had fought back to leave Pakistan struggling at 9-2, with opener Abdullah Shafique out for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad dismissed without scoring—both victims of pacer Hasan Mahmud. Saim Ayub remained unbeaten on six, with the home team leading by 21 runs. Pakistan must now bat intelligently to secure a series-equalizing victory after losing the first Test in Rawalpindi by 10 wickets. Bangladesh's victory last week marked their first against Pakistan in 14 attempts.
The day's standout performance was Das and Mehidy's game-changing partnership. Additionally, Das combined with tail-ender Mahmud (13 not out) for a 24.5-over ninth wicket stand, matching the partnership record against Pakistan and frustrating the home side. Das, who was dropped on 90 by spinner Abrar Ahmed, reached his fourth Test hundred with a late cut off the same bowler before being caught at long-on by Agha Salman. Coming in when Bangladesh were reeling at 26-5, Das struck 13 boundaries and four sixes, contributing significantly to the lower order's 236-run total. Das acknowledged his initial nerves but expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting the challenging pitch conditions.
Shahzad commended Bangladesh's batting, admitting that their strong partnership had posed difficulties. He remains confident in Pakistan's batting capabilities and believes they can set a formidable target. Earlier, Pakistan had seized the initiative thanks to pacer Shahzad's career-best 6-90 and Mir Hamza's 2-50 in the morning session, but faltered later. Das and Mehidy capitalized on a more forgiving Rawalpindi pitch in the second session of the rain-affected Test, which saw the first day washed out. Shahzad, who had taken 4-15 in his initial spell, finally dismissed Mehidy caught and bowled off a miscued drive, ending Pakistan's long wait for the seventh wicket. Das and Mehidy's partnership is the first in Test history to exceed 150 runs for the seventh or lower wicket from a team total under 50. Mehidy, who took 5-61 on Saturday, hit 12 boundaries and a six, reaching 50 for the eighth time in Tests. Bangladesh started the day at 10-0, but Shahzad quickly dismissed opener Zakir Hasan for one, and then bowled Shadman Islam and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto to reduce Bangladesh to 20-3. Hamza then caught Mominul Haque and dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim, before Shahzad trapped Shakib Al Hasan lbw, leaving Bangladesh at 26-6 before Mehidy and Das staged their recovery.
