Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. File photo

DHAKA, May 20, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed Liton Das for producing the defining performance of the second Test against 
Pakistan, saying the wicketkeeper-batter's first innings century laid the foundation for the historic series-clinching victory in Sylhet.

Bangladesh sealed a 78-run win over Pakistan today to complete a 2-0 whitewash in the two-match series.

The five-day contest at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium tested both teams' skill, patience and temperament, but Bangladesh emerged superior after 
dominating crucial moments of the match.

Shanto singled out Liton's counter attacking 126 in the first innings as the turning point of the Test.

Bangladesh were in deep trouble at 116-6 when Liton came to the rescue. Batting with the lower order, he added 162 crucial runs and guided the hosts 
to 278, helping them secure a valuable 46-run first innings lead.

Liton also followed it up with a serene, yet aggressive 69 in the second innings alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, whose century pushed Pakistan out of the 
contest.

Apart from his batting, Liton impressed throughout the series with sharp wicketkeeping, smart communication with bowlers and field adjustments from 
behind the stumps.

Speaking after the match, Shanto described Liton's knock as one of the finest innings of his career.

"Liton played an outstanding innings, which I would call one of his best innings," Shanto said. "Credit also goes to Taijul Bhai, Taskin, Shoriful and 
Nahid Rana for supporting him."

The Bangladesh skipper said the dressing room never lost belief despite the early collapse in the first innings.

"The way Liton took charge in that situation proves Bangladesh are making a giant stride towards becoming a big team," he said. "Everyone believed Taijul 
Bhai would support him and Liton would continue scoring."

Shanto also revealed that Liton stayed in constant communication from the middle regarding his batting approach.

"There was very good communication. In this Test match, I would say the biggest achievement was Liton's innings. Otherwise, we would have fallen far 
behind in the first innings," he added.

The victory completed Bangladesh's second consecutive Test series sweep over Pakistan after the away triumph in Rawalpindi in 2024, a feat that no other 
team barring Australia achieved against Pakistan.