Bangladesh faced another challenging start in the ongoing World Cup, finding themselves at 66/3 in 15 overs against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. However, the enthusiastic crowd in Bengal, gathered to support their neighboring heroes, found renewed hope when Litton Das and Mahmudullah forged a strong partnership, maintaining a brisk run rate.
By the end of 20 overs, their stand had accumulated nearly 70 runs, and both batsmen were on the verge of reaching half-centuries. Tragedy struck just as Litton seemed to be in control. He was facing the part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed on a slow, spin-friendly pitch.
Ahmed delivered a slow, tempting ball that pitched in line with the stumps and turned into the right-handed batsman. Despite appearing to be a straightforward delivery, Litton’s footwork faltered as he rocked back lazily in his crease and made a half-hearted attempt at the ball.
The Kookaburra hit the toe end of Litton’s bat, causing it to twist slightly in his hands while playing the shot, resulting in the ball popping up and landing in the hands of Salman Agha Ali at catching midwicket.
As the Pakistani team celebrated, Litton, with his head hung in disappointment, stood still at the crease, seemingly unable to move. He maintained this pose for an unusually long 25 seconds, repeating the shot in his shadow a couple of times.