Litton Hits Fifty to End Run Drought

Sports Desk

It was natural for Liton Das to smile after opening the score against Afghanistan on Friday. As he raised his bat and looked towards the dressing room, his smile was as humorous as it was relieved.

After three consecutive zeros in Test cricket, the Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman finally found a run. He brought up his 21st Test fifty on the first day of the only Test at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Liton turned a small personal achievement into a great contribution in a moment of danger for the team.

This drought seemed all the more incongruous because he had been in excellent form in the previous series. Liton had scored a century and a fifty in Bangladesh’s 78-run home Test series win over Pakistan in Sylhet. But then he went on a tour of Australia and failed to score a single run in three consecutive Test innings. Then he added another unexpected chapter to his recent poor form by getting out for a duck against Sri Lanka in the bronze medal match at the Asian Games.

At least he was able to break that run drought in the United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh made a great start after winning the toss and electing to bat. Tanjid Hasan Tamim and Sadman Islam both scored fifties. The Tigers crossed 220 runs for the loss of two wickets. However, after that, the rapid loss of Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanta created a fear of collapse in the middle order.

Batting at number six, Liton put on a 62-run partnership with Mehedi Hasan Miraz. His 53-run innings, which included three fours off 89 balls, brought Bangladesh some relief.

Liton’s innings was finally stopped by a brilliant catch. He was caught deep square leg while playing a hook shot off right-arm pacer Mohammad Salim. Yamin Ahmedzai came running and took a brilliant catch.

Bangladesh ended the first day at 317 for 8 in 84 overs. Liton’s half-century helped the team to a strong position after a batting disaster.

This one innings may not erase Australia’s disappointment or restore all form overnight, but after three consecutive zeros, he picked up the bat twice on Friday – the first time after opening the score with a smile of relief, and the second time after reaching fifty, which may feel as sweet to him as a century after his recent bad spell.