Bangladesh batter Litton Das, who scored 138 at the crease on the third day in Rawalpindi, said that he was “nervous” walking out to bat as they were at 26 for 5. He hit 13 boundaries and 4 sixes and put on a 165-run seventh-wicket stand with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a gritty 78 as well.
“I never thought I would have to bat before the drinks break. I was a bit nervous,” Litton admitted. “We told each other that since Pakistan had the momentum at that moment, let’s take our time and see what happens. 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,” he again shared.
Apart from his stunning partnership with Mehidy, Litton added 69 runs with tailender Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) in a 24.5-over ninth-wicket stand as well.
“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,” Litton Das said. “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.”
“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,” he added. “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.”
Litton Das also felt there would be more help in the pitch for the spinners as well.
“I feel the ball will spin more tomorrow. The pitch isn’t the same as the first Test. You could go and hit the ball easily on that wicket,” he noted. “On this pitch, you have to maintain your rhythm. The wicket was slow and sluggish. You have to be mindful of the shots you want to play and those you can’t,” he concluded.
