Bangladesh achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their first ever test series whitewash against Pakistan. This historic victory, a two-match series played on Pakistan’s home soil, was driven by outstanding individual performances, with Litton Das playing a pivotal role.
During the second test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh found themselves in a difficult situation at 25/5 in their first innings. Litton Das, the right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, stepped up to the crease, soon witnessing his team drop to 26/6. However, Litton along with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78) built a record-breaking 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from a collapse.
Litton who had already contributed a vital half-century in the first test played a superb knock, scoring 138 off 228 balls. His innings helped Bangladesh post 262, just 12 runs short of Pakistan’s first-innings total. The significant partnership between Litton and Mehidy was the turning point of the match. Bangladesh’s bowlers capitalized on this momentum by dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup in the second innings, ultimately leading the team to a six-wicket victory and a historic series win.
While interacting with the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday, Litton Das said that they gave good performance against Pakistan but that is past now. He talked about the importance of leaving the Pakistan series behind as soon they will be playing a challenging series which will be against India and he requested media to help them by not talking too much about the Pakistan series. He added that as a player, the Pakistan series is past for him but he admitted that the team certainly gained confidence from that.
Despite this monumental achievement, Litton Das remains focused on upcoming challenges. Bangladesh is set to face India in a two-match test series starting on September 19, followed by a three-match T20I series. Bangladesh has never beaten India in a test match, a feat they accomplished against Pakistan, but India, known for their formidable test side, will be a tougher opponent.
Litton Das also talked about the high ranking of the Indian team and added that the series will be very challenging as India is a very strong team when they play in their own conditions. He expressed his excitement for the challenge, especially considering the added difficulty of playing with the SG ball, which is used exclusively in the Indian test matches. Litton further said that the Indian team is a big team and what will make it a little difficult for the Bangladeshi cricketers is the fact that the ball would also change.
He added that the Bangladeshi team rarely plays with the SG ball which is exclusively used in test matches in India and it will certainly be a challenge for the Bangladesh team to play with that ball. However, at the same time, he also said that the players are working very hard. Litton Das talked about preparation as well and said that they were facing the main bowlers as much as possible. He said that while Kookaburra ball is difficult to play when it is new and easier to play when it is old, it is opposite with the SG ball and they are practicing a lot and are hopeful of good results.
What is your take on the India-Bangladesh test series? Will Bangladesh manage to topple the Indian team and win the series?
