Batting under pressure has become a familiar battleground for Litton Kumer Das, and his latest outing was no exception. As he strode to the crease against Pakistan, Bangladesh found themselves in dire straits, mirroring past challenges he faced—most notably three years ago in Chattogram, where he entered at 49 for 4, and again a year later in Mirpur against Sri Lanka at 24 for 5. On both occasions, Litton responded with hundreds, and the circumstances at Rawalpindi demanded nothing less.
The Pakistani pace attack, led by Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza, unleashed a relentless assault, wreaking havoc on the Bangladeshi batting order. In a mere 34 balls during the first hour of Day 3, they struck six times, showcasing their ability to swing the ball while maintaining a disciplined line. Hamza exerted the pressure, while Shahzad capitalized, particularly targeting the left-handers with precision and discipline.
With Bangladesh teetering at 26 for 6—threatening to register their lowest total in Test cricket—the situation was dire. The fundamentals of Test cricket dictate that when the ball is new and moving, the first hour belongs to the bowlers. Litton and in-form Mehidy Hasan Miraz knew they had to weather the storm, allowing the shine to fade, as the current Pakistani bowlers lacked the finesse to exploit an older ball.
Post-lunch, Litton began to assert his presence, attacking Shahzad with vigour. He dispatched the bowler for two boundaries in three balls and followed up with three more in the next over, igniting Bangladesh's recovery. In the first six overs after lunch, the team amassed 40 runs, signalling a shift in momentum.
Together, Litton and Mehidy orchestrated a remarkable partnership, adding 165 runs for the seventh wicket and pulling Bangladesh from the brink of disaster. Their fight continued into the final session; resuming at 193 for 8 after tea, Litton and Mahmud made the Pakistani bowlers toil for over two hours. Litton, exhibiting shrewdness, farmed the strike, often denying singles to give Mahmud only a handful of balls. This strategy allowed Litton to reach his century with a deft dab to backward point, overcoming cramps that threatened his performance.
Litton's innings can be likened to an adventure reminiscent of Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones—an interplay of attack and counter-attack that defied the odds without succumbing to haste. Naturally adept at playing off the back foot, Litton skillfully exploited the vacant third-man area by pivoting quickly and executing late cuts with finesse. When the ball was pitched in the middle and off, he showcased nimble footwork, crafting straight drives and creating space for offside strokes. Anything aimed at his pads was dispatched to midwicket, showcasing his range and intent.
Despite Pakistan's attempts to manipulate the field, their strategy backfired; Litton’s ability to rotate the strike kept their bowlers off balance, preventing them from settling into a rhythm. His pull and hook shots against the short deliveries drained the energy from the Pakistani attack. In that zone of confidence, Litton felt invincible, commanding the game with an assurance that suggested nothing could thwart his mission to save Bangladesh.
Ultimately, Bangladesh concluded their innings trailing by a mere 12 runs—a margin that could have been far more daunting had Litton not channelled the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones within him. His performance was not just a display of skill; it was a testament to resilience and the power of grit in the face of adversity.
Thank
you,
Faisal
Caesar
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