A magnificent, counter-attacking century from wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a catastrophic middle-order collapse on the opening day of the second Test in Sylhet.

While Litton stood tall with an unbeaten 109 off 136 balls, the day so far belonged to Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack, which relentlessly exploited the conditions.

Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad ran through Bangladesh’s batting spine, routinely triggering collapses just as partnerships threatened to develop.

Pakistan seamers strike early but Shanto, Mushfiqur rebuild for Bangladesh at Lunch

The afternoon session turned into a nightmare for the hosts as their steady pre-lunch position evaporated. Abbas broke a grinding 38-run stand by producing a beautiful, curving delivery to dismiss captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), tracking a faint edge to Mohammad Rizwan.

The wicket marked a personal milestone for Abbas, registering his 100th Test wicket outside Pakistan.

Shahzad then took control from the other end. He trapped the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim lbw for 23 via an umpire's call review, before bouncing out Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4) just two overs later.

Miraz’s reckless hook flew straight to deep fine leg, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 116-6 after losing three crucial wickets for just ten runs.

Stepping up under immense pressure, Litton single-handedly altered the momentum of the final session. He anchored small but vital lower-order partnerships, first putting on 60 runs with Taijul Islam (16) and later finding support from Shoriful Islam (5*). Litton accelerated effortlessly in the evening heat, smashing 13 boundaries and a six to bring up his hundred in 135 deliveries.

Pakistan's seamers quickly neutralized the lower order whenever Litton exposed them. Sajid Khan cleaned up Taijul with an arm ball, and Shahzad returned to claim Taskin Ahmed (7) via a slip catch, securing his fourth wicket of the innings (4-80).