With time in hand, Bangladesh needed the 39-year-old to anchor, and he did so effectively, frustrating Pakistan and steadily shutting them out of the contest.

Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad struck a crucial blow in the opening hour after trapping Shanto lbw for 15 off 46 deliveries.

Litton rated his latest innings as “totally different”, having had no established partner to share the load.

A successful review that saved Shoriful Islam from an lbw dismissal, followed by hamstring cramps and a drinks break, prolonged the delay before Litton finally regained strike and punched a delivery through the covers for four to reach the milestone.

Earlier in the day, Abbas had set the tone by removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy with the second ball of the match before debutant Tanzid Hasan threw away a promising start for 26. Khurram then produced a superb delivery to castle Mominul Haque for 22 just before Lunch.

The habit of being the first to arrive and the last to leave has defined Mushfiqur’s career.

The visitors were found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate during their defeat in the opening Test against Bangladesh.

The 31-year-old fast bowler's experience and quality remain indispensable to the Tigers.

Rana getting the old ball to talk had even surprised his captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das.

In his last five innings, he notched 82, 63, 87, 91 and now 56.

Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin concurred that the green surface got the pacers “focus on pace a bit too much” instead of “bowling in the right areas”.

Pakistan handed debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal.

In Tests, first-innings scores are often indicative of how a match will unfold.

Babar suffered an injury to his left knee during the practice session on Thursday

The surface may not remain as green on Friday once trimmed, but it is evident that the home side are banking on their primary strength.

Ball by ball, step by step, Rana was pure bliss to watch at the Mirpur practice nets on Tuesday.

The fuller delivery, like the short ones, created surprise, with some deliveries striking the bat rather than the bat meeting it.

ESPNcricinfo report added that the Pakistan Cricket Board has not specified what action it wants but expects at least an acknowledgement if a procedural error occurred.

The hosts are currently leading the series 1-0 after they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the series opener at the same venue on Wednesday.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in March–April 2026 for a full series comprising two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.