This morning, Bangladesh announced their squad for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, resulting in the surprising exclusion of Litton Das. However, the cricketer quickly turned the disappointment into an outstanding performance during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fixture later in the day. Playing for the Dhaka Capitals against Durbar Rajshahi, Litton Das showcased his elite batting skills, registering his first T20 century. His impressive knock of 125 runs off just 55 deliveries included ten boundaries and nine sixes, achieving an exceptional strike rate of 227.27.
In a formidable partnership, Litton was joined by Tanzid Hasan, a player named to the Champions Trophy squad, as they constructed a remarkable 241 runs for the first wicket. This partnership now stands as the second-highest in the history of men's T20 cricket. With Dhaka finishing their innings at an unprecedented total of 254 for 1, this score now marks the highest in BPL history.
Litton Das reached his century in a mere 44 balls, making it the second-fastest century by a Bangladeshi player in men's T20s. The record is currently held by Parvez Hossain, who scored a 42-ball century during the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in December 2020. Additionally, Litton's score now ranks fourth among the highest individual scores in BPL, trailing only behind exceptional performances by Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal.
Rajshahi's decision to bowl first initially appeared to be tactically sound, as Dhaka struggled to gain momentum and was at a modest 22 runs without loss after four overs. However, Tanzid's explosive hitting changed the game's dynamics significantly. He amassed 21 runs in one over bowled by Sunzamul Islam, and from that moment, Dhaka surged forward. By the end of the fifth over, Litton had only scored ten runs off nine balls, but he shifted gears in the subsequent over, dispatching SM Meherob for a four and two sixes in three consecutive deliveries.
Litton Das reached his fifty in the ninth over, courtesy of executing a six off a no-ball. With Dhaka at 115 for 0 after ten overs, it was evident that they were poised for a monumental score. Tanzid, too, attained his fifty, launching a six off Ryan Burl to conclude the 11th over. The duo continued their onslaught, with Litton reaching his century in the 16th over, hitting a boundary off Shafiul Islam.
Tanzid followed suit, completing his century in the final over. He began with four runs off the first ball, striking Shafiul for a six before departing the innings with a score of 108 runs from 64 balls, consisting of six fours and eight sixes, accumulating a strike rate of 168.75. By this time, Dhaka had already secured the record for the highest total in BPL history, and they did not let up, with Sabbir Rahman and Litton Das adding one last six each to conclude their innings at a staggering 254 for 1.
In response, Durbar Rajshahi struggled significantly. They quickly plummeted to 34 for 5, putting them in a precarious position. Ryan Burl attempted a rescue of sorts, with an unbeaten contribution of 47 runs, but it was merely a delaying tactic. Eventually, Rajshahi’s innings ended at 105 runs in the 16th over, falling short of their target by a remarkable margin of 150 runs.
This match not only underscores Litton Das's exceptional talent and form but also highlights the strategic nuances and the uneven contest between the teams in the BPL. The Dhaka Capitals now stand tall with their record-breaking total, while Rajshahi faces the daunting challenge of regrouping for their upcoming matches in the tournament. As the BPL progresses, all eyes will be on the unfolding performances of these players, including Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan, who are instrumental in shaping their team's fortunes.