Bangladesh continues to put up a strong fight in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, defying the odds with an extraordinary seventh-wicket partnership. After a dramatic collapse in their batting lineup, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz stunned everyone with a record-breaking stand that not only revived Bangladesh’s innings but also set a new world record in Test cricket.
Bangladesh’s Early Struggles and Stunning Comeback
Pakistan, coming into this match with the aim to level the series after losing the first Test, put Bangladesh under immense pressure early on. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Bangladesh’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to 274 runs in their first innings, thanks largely to Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s brilliant five-wicket haul. However, when it was Bangladesh’s turn to bat, the situation turned dire quickly.
Pakistan’s pace attack ripped through Bangladesh’s top and middle order, leaving them reeling at 26/6. It looked like the visitors were on the verge of an embarrassing collapse, with their top batsmen falling cheaply. The team was in danger of being bowled out for a meager score, and Pakistan appeared to be in complete control of the match. That’s when Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepped up, delivering a partnership that would change the game’s narrative.
Litton and Miraz Make History
With the scoreboard showing a dismal 26/6, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined forces at the crease, and what followed was nothing short of remarkable. The pair put on a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from a humiliating position and frustrating the Pakistani bowlers who had dominated until that point.
Litton Das played a composed knock of 82 runs, showcasing his ability to stay calm under pressure, while Miraz contributed a crucial 78 runs. Together, they not only rebuilt Bangladesh’s innings but also set a new world record for the highest seventh-wicket partnership after losing the first six wickets for 30 runs or fewer. This extraordinary feat broke the previous record held by West Indies’ Nkrumah Bonner and Joshua Da Silva, who had managed a 100-run stand after their team had collapsed to 18/6 against Sri Lanka in 2021.
This is only the second instance in Test cricket history where a seventh-wicket pair has put together a partnership of more than 100 runs after losing the first six wickets for under 30 runs. Litton and Miraz also set another record for making a partnership of over 150 runs after the team lost six wickets within 50 runs.
Miraz Shines with Bat and Ball
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s impact on the match extended beyond his partnership with Litton Das. Earlier, his impressive bowling performance in Pakistan’s first innings saw him claim 5 wickets for just 61 runs in 22.1 overs, playing a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan to under 300 runs. His all-round performance in this Test has been instrumental in keeping Bangladesh competitive, despite the challenges they faced early on.
At the tea break on the third day, Bangladesh was 193/8, still trailing Pakistan by 81 runs, but their spirited fightback led by Litton and Miraz has given them a fighting chance. The duo’s record-breaking stand has not only lifted their team but also made a significant mark in the history of Test cricket, proving once again that cricket is a game full of surprises.
