A magnificent century from Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a dramatic top-order collapse as the hosts posted 278 before reducing Pakistan to 21 without loss at stumps on the opening day of the second Test in Sylhet on Saturday.
After Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field, Bangladesh endured a disastrous start when veteran paceman Mohammad Abbas struck with only the second ball of the match, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck.
The early breakthrough set the tone for an impressive opening spell from Pakistan's seamers, who exploited helpful morning conditions to keep Bangladesh under constant pressure.
Khurram Shahzad soon removed Tanzid Hasan Tamim, while Abbas struck again to dismiss Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto cheaply as the hosts slumped in the opening session.
Bangladesh attempted to rebuild through Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim, but Pakistan continued to chip away with regular wickets. Mominul scored 22 before falling to Khurram, while Mushfiqur added 23 but failed to convert his start into a substantial innings.
When Shahadat Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz departed in quick succession, Bangladesh were reeling at 116 for six and staring at the prospect of a modest total.
At that stage, Litton produced one of the finest counterattacking innings of his Test career to completely transform the momentum of the day.
Playing with composure and authority, the wicketkeeper-batter mixed solid defence with aggressive strokeplay, punishing loose deliveries through the off side while also attacking the spinners confidently.
Litton reached his century in style and eventually made 126 from 159 deliveries, striking 16 boundaries and two sixes in a crucial innings that frustrated Pakistan after their dominant start.
The 31-year-old found valuable support from the lower order, particularly Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam, who stayed with him long enough to help Bangladesh recover to a competitive first-innings total.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 278 in 77 overs late in the final session.
Khurram Shahzad finished as Pakistan's most successful bowler with four wickets, while Abbas claimed three in a disciplined spell that highlighted his control and movement with the new ball.
Pakistan's openers then safely negotiated the final six overs of the day under fading light to close on 21 without loss.
Azan Awais remained unbeaten on 13 while Abdullah Fazal was not out on eight as the visitors ended the day trailing Bangladesh by 257 runs.
Although Pakistan enjoyed long periods of dominance with the ball, Litton's brilliant rescue effort ensured Bangladesh finished the opening day with the upper hand in the second and final Test in Sylhet.
