Bangladesh had a difficult start against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the BAN vs SL Second Test 2022 at SBNCS, Mirpur. They lost five wickets in the first hour of the first session on day one, putting the team in a terrible position. Then, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das collaborated on a stunning 272-run sixth-wicket partnership to help the Tigers make a remarkable comeback in the innings. Bangladesh finally scored 365 in their first innings, which would not have been possible without Mushfiqur and Litton's outstanding contributions.

Highlights of the Mushfiqur-Litton Partnership

Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim opted to bat first in the BAN vs SL Second Test 2022 on a surface where batters could flourish for at least the first two days.

It is said that batters should see out the first hour of the morning session in Test cricket. Pace bowlers usually get a little more support from the pitch in the morning, allowing them to put pressure on batters if they maintain good line and length. The Lankan bowlers did just that to Bangladesh's batters. They bowled in the right channels and took advantage of the pitch's extra swing. However, Bangladesh's batters didn't confront Lankan pacers adequately, and they should be held responsible for losing half of their wickets in the first hour of the morning session.

Read Dhaka Test: Sri Lanka trail by 222 after day 2

When Bangladesh were down to 24/5 at the end of the 6.5 overs, there was a risk of breaking their lowest-ever total – 43 records. The Lankan pacers were in perfect rhythm to do so. However, a monumental stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from what could possibly be an embarrassing moment in front of home crowds.

Mushfiqur Rahim had focused on being steady at the crease by not taking any risks, whilst Litton Das was more aggressive. Litton did get a life soon after lunch When he was on 47. Fielder dropped his catch in the square leg region. Litton then began to attack the opposition bowlers, quickly completing his fifty. Oppositely, Mushfiqur Rahim was determined not to lose his wicket as he steadily constructed his innings.

Both batters had reached their hundred after Tea. Litton was the first to reach the century mark, scoring his third Test hundred in 149 balls. After a few overs, Mushfiqur Rahim hit his ninth Test century in 218 balls. Bangladesh ended the first day with 277/5 runs on the board. Litton Das 135 and Mushfiqur Rahim 115 went undefeated on day one at the crease.

Read Dhaka Test: Bangladesh end first innings on 365

The pair also added 19 runs together in the first session of day 2 before Litton Das (141) lost his wicket to Kasun Rajitha in the first ball of the eight overs. Litton hit 16 boundaries and a six in his innings and had a 57.31 strike rate. On the other hand, Mushfiqur Rahim stayed undefeated on 175* with 21 boundaries. This long-standing 272 runs off 513 balls partnership not only helped the team avoid an embarrassing moment, but also helped them to reach a respectable total of 365.

The record-breaking Mushfiqur-Litton partnership

Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das put together a stunning and crucial 272-run partnership for the sixth wicket. They produced several interesting records as a result of their partnership. Here are a few of them.

1)      This was the best-ever stand for the sixth wicket for Bangladesh. The previous best was 191 between Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim back in 2007 against Sri Lanka.

Read Day 2 of Dhaka Test: Liton, Mosaddek depart early

 The top five best sixth-wicket partnerships for Bangladesh

Partners	Runs	Opposition	Ground	Year
Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim	272	Sri Lanka	Mirpur	2022
Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim	191	Sri Lanka	Colombo	2007
Junaid Siddique and Mushfiqur Rahim	167	England	Chattogram	2010
Nasir Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan	144	West Indies	Khulna	2012
Mushfiqur Rahim and Nasir Hasan	117	Pakistan	Mirpur	2011

        Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

2)      While constructing the 272-run big partnership, Litton and Mushfiqur faced a total of 513 balls. This was the third most in terms of balls faced for Bangladesh.

Read Mushfiqur, Liton stand tall after disastrous start

The top five partnerships in terms of balls faced for Bangladesh

Partners	Runs	Balls	Opposition	Ground	Year
Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim	267	518	Sri Lanka	Galle	2013
Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto	242	514	Sri Lanka	Pallekele	2021
Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim	272	512	Sri Lanka	Mirpur	2022
Javed Omar and Nafees Iqbal	133	498	Zimbabwe	Dhaka	2005
Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan	359	494	New Zealand	Wellington	2017

   Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

3)      Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das had a 272-run partnership which is the third best in Bangladesh Test cricket history.

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Top Five Partnerships for Bangladesh 

Partners	Runs	Wkts	Opposition	Ground	Year
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim	359	5th	New Zealand	Wellington	2017
Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes	312	1st	Pakistan	Khulna	2015
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das	272	6th	Sri Lanka	Mirpur	2022
Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim	267	5th	Sri Lanka	Galle	2013
Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim	266	4th	Zimbabwe	Mirpur	2018

          Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

Read Mushfiqur smashes another ton vs Sri Lanka

Aftermath

Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das' performances during the first innings of the match were undoubtedly among the finest in Bangladesh Test cricket history. It's also considered one of the greatest comebacks, since scoring 365 after falling to 24/5 wasn't straightforward. Both players showed commitment and courage in their innings, which paid off handsomely. Moreover, this could be a match-saving partnership depending on the outcome of the BAN vs SL Second Test 2022.