Leading Bangladesh in Shakib Al Hasan’s absence, Das was made waves during the second ODI of the three-match series, at Mirpur, even before he batted, during the New Zealand innings.

When Ish Sodhi left the crease at the non-striker’s end prematurely, bowler Hasan Mahmud ran him out. Das recalled Sodhi, the match continued, and New Zealand made 254.

Kyle Jamieson took new ball with Trent Boult when Bangladesh batted. Das was the first to go, for six: he slashed at a lifter from Jamieson towards deep third, where Rachin Ravindra ran to his left to take the catch.

As he walked away for six, Das smashed the ground with his bat in frustration – a reasonably authentic straight drive, followed by an outright violent thwack.

In the process, he might have committed a Level 1 offence (“wilfully mistreating any part of the cricket ground, equipment or implements used in the match”). The verdict will be interesting, for Das smashed the bat outside the boundary line.

From 17 ODIs in 2023, Das has now scored 338 runs at 24.14 – a steep decline from the 577 runs at 52.45 in 2022 – and will be keen on getting some runs ahead of the World Cup. For that, he has the third ODI and the two warm-up matches in India.

He may take heart from the fact that he has been among runs in the other formats this year (282 runs at 35.25, strike rate 142 in T20Is, and 43, 23, 9, 66 not out in four Test innings).

As for the match, Bangladesh collapsed to 168 against Ish Sodhi (6-39). Tamim Iqbal (44) and Mahmudullah (49) were the only ones to put up a resistance.

Watch Litton Das smash his bat in frustration:

Litton Das after getting dismissed tonight in the 2nd ODI. At least happy that he is frustrated with himself just like us. Hope that ignites him to rise. #BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/hYLMc2Gvox

— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) September 23, 2023