Liton Kumer Das’ fighting hundred lifted Bangladesh from a precarious 26/6 to 262 all out in their first innings on Sunday, in a remarkable turnaround that left the second Test against Pakistan Rawalpindi within either team's grasp.

The 29-year-old hit 138 over the course of a marathon 333 minutes and brought Bangladesh back into the match with a fighting 165-run seventh-wicket stand alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a pugnacious 78.

Liton, who came to the crease with Bangladesh tottering at 26/5, cracked 13 boundaries and four sixes, adding a big 236 for the last four wickets. He admitted he didn’t even think he would have to come to bat before the drinks break in the morning.

“I never thought I would have to bat before the drinks break. I was a bit nervous,” admitted Liton in the post-day press conference.

“We (Liton and Miraz) told each other that since Pakistan has the momentum at that moment, let’s take our time and see what happens.”

Liton started off slowly while Miraz struck a few boundaries to ease off the early pressure.

“Both Miraz and I were new at the crease. The new ball was still on, so it was challenging. We wanted to drag the game, and possibly get the momentum back into our side. Credit goes to Miraz for taking the initiative. I was struggling with the hand (injury). His early boundaries gave us a rhythm,” Liton said.

“There was a bit of refreshment after lunch. I felt they were a bit tired. I took that chance. I could score as it was in my zone,” he added.

Liton said he enjoyed batting with Miraz. They saw an opportunity to bat for a longer period of time and they took it.

“I enjoyed batting with him. He is always positive. We talked about how to score in that situation. I know we were on the backfoot, but that’s the opportunity. If you are a big player, you have to cash that opportunity,” Liton stated.

On top of the record-breaking innings, Liton added 69 with tail-ender Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) in a 24.5-over ninth wicket stand, equalling the partnership record against Pakistan and leaving the home team frustrated. Hasan Mahmud played 51 balls for his unbeaten 13-run innings.

“When Hasan Mahmud arrived at the crease, I went into a totally defensive mindset. All the fielders were outside, so I had no chance to find boundaries. Credit to Hasan Mahmud for playing with me for a long time. We talked about scoring runs, whether it was one or two runs per over. We can cut down on their lead,” Liton said.

And they did cut down Pakistan’s lead to only 12 at the end of Bangladesh’s innings.

There is rain in the forecast in Rawalpindi for the next few days. Liton said all they have to do is bowl well early on Monday to have a chance for another comeback.

“Rain is not in our control, but we have to bowl well early tomorrow. There’s help for the new ball in this wicket. If we can get early breakthroughs and bring the momentum, we have a chance for another comeback,” he concluded.