Bangladesh opener Litton Das smashed a stunning half-century off just 18 balls in a rain-shortened second T20I against Ireland, breaking the record for the fastest fifty by a Bangladesh player in the shortest format. Das's knock, which included five fours and three sixes, surpassed the previous record of Mohammad Ashraful, who achieved a 20-ball fifty in the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in South Africa 16 years ago.
Despite a lucky reprieve in the fourth over, Das never looked back, hitting Fionn Hand for two fours and a six to edge closer to his fifty, which he achieved in the next over. Rony Talukdar offered good company with his 44 off 23 balls, helping to establish a strong opening partnership of 124 runs off 56 balls.
Eventually, Das got out after his quick-fire 83 off 41 balls, but Shakib Al Hasan (38* of 24) and Towhid Hridoy (24 off 13) helped Bangladesh post a mammoth total of 202 for the loss of three wickets in 17 overs.
The rain-affected match saw a late start in Chattogram, but Bangladesh put up an impressive performance to secure a win. The opening pair once again gave a strong start, scoring 73 runs in the first six overs, and with Das breaking the record for the fastest fifty by a Bangladesh player in the shortest format, the team has much to celebrate.